PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Universal Credit: Claimant Satisfaction - 2 July 2018 (Commons/Commons Chamber)
Debate Detail
Contributions from Esther McVey, are highlighted with a yellow border.
Giles Watling
Clacton
15:03:04
Ms Esther McVey
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Some 83% universal credit claimants are satisfied with the service. The claimant survey shows that the majority of people find interactions with their work coach, both online and in person, to be helpful and that the online journal is easy to use.
15:03:36
Giles Watling
With universal credit due to be rolled out in Clacton later this month, will my right hon. Friend reassure me that, with recent changes to the system, my residents will get a better service?
15:03:54
Ms McVey
I want to recognise all the hard work that my hon. Friend does in his constituency. Yes, his constituents will get a better service now that we have added those changes. However, he does not have to take my words for it. Chloe, a lone parent, said: “Universal credit is easier than the old system, and it has helped me to get a job. It is simpler, as I do not have to keep putting my wage slips in. I can actually vary my wages and get paid automatically.”
Mr Barry Sheerman
Huddersfield
Has the Secretary of State looked into the level of satisfaction of people on the autism spectrum and of those facing similar challenges? Her Department’s offices around the country are very autism-unfriendly and difficult places for people on the autism spectrum to approach. When will her Department have a policy for autistic people?
15:04:30
Ms McVey
I share the hon. Gentleman’s concern for young people, or anybody, with autism. This is something that we, as a country, have to get right, as we are seeing a rising number of people with autism. Both sides of the House work very closely on this, whether it is my hon. Friend the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work or Opposition Members.
15:04:54
Mr Speaker
I think we must have a dose of Swayne.
15:05:04
Sir Desmond Swayne
New Forest West
What is the impact on housing association tenants?
Ms McVey
My right hon. Friend asks a rather open question but we have a landlord portal for housing association tenants. If people need their payments done automatically, they can have just that—if that is what he is referring to.
Mr Speaker
Well, the Secretary of State had a stab at it, and we are extremely grateful to her for doing so.
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