North Swindon MP and Department for Work and Pensions Minister, Justin Tomlinson, has welcomed praise for the DWP’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to The Times, the number of people claiming Universal Credit rose from 2.8 million people at the start of the outbreak to 5.6 million by 9th July.
A survey carried out by the Resolution Foundation think-tank focused on improving living standards for those on low to middle incomes. The survey showed that 90 per cent of payments due were paid in full and on time – in addition to this 74% of new UC claimants reported they were satisfied with the way DWP handled their claim.
In order to meet the demand, the DWP made several changes to the way UC claims were made, including:
- Reallocating 10,000 members of staff to process claims
- Call backs to prevent on-hold call time
- No requirement to actively seek work
- 90% of claims paid in time and in full
Karl Handscomb, Senior Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said:
“Universal Credit has been on the frontline in fighting the UK’s economic shock. More claims have been processed in the first four weeks of the coronavirus crisis than in the first nine months of the financial crisis. The benefits system has proved remarkably resilient in the face of such demand, with three quarters of claimants satisfied with the process.”
Justin Tomlinson said: “As a DWP Minister, I am very proud that the Department was able to respond quickly and flexibly to meet the surge in demand. It is testament to the skill, hard work and professionalism of DWP employees that they were able to adapt and maintain an exceptional standard of service.”
