This Public Accounts Committee report finds that Universal Credit is causing unacceptable hardship and difficulties for many of the claimants it was designed to help.
The report concludes that:
- DWP's dismissive attitude to real-world experience is failing claimants
- Recent announcement of delayed roll-out is not a solution
- Department must work with third-party organisations to shape programme
“In 2013 this Committee raised concerns about the Department’s culture of reporting good news and denying problems that emerge. In further reports in 2015 and 2016 the Committee warned about the Department’s continued lack of transparency.
“It is hugely regrettable that the Department has not heeded these warnings. Instead of listening to organisations on the frontline supporting claimants, the Department has continued with its fortress mentality and as a result is failing claimants who struggle to adapt to the way Universal Credit works.”