Universal Credit
Questions
Asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made on reaching a decision over proposals to increase rent arrear deductions from 5 per cent to 40 per cent under Universal Credit.[HL258]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): We recently consulted on the proposal to increase the rate of rent arrears deductions in Universal Credit. We are currently considering the consultation responses.
Asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what analysis has been made of the ability of Universal Credit recipients to meet other essential needs after rent arrears have been deducted at the proposed level of 40 per cent.[HL259]
Lord Freud: Deductions from Universal Credit are made after considering the claimant’s individual circumstances and ability to afford the deductions. The maximum that can be deducted for all deductions, including rent arrears, is an amount equivalent to 40 per cent of the claimant’s Universal Credit Standard Allowance. The only exceptions to this rule are deductions for normal consumption of utilities and in cases where a sanction or penalty is being applied or a (Universal Credit) advance is being recovered. Where appropriate the rate of deduction can be reduced.
Welfare to Work
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the final cost of terminating the welfare to work contracts made before May 2010.[HL298]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): We have interpreted the question as referring to the early cancellation of Flexible New Deal (FND) contracts in 2011.
I would draw your attention to the DWP Annual Accounts 2011-12 (page 174) FND exit costs.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/214340/dwp-annual-report-and-accounts-2011-2012.pdf
Western Sahara
Question
Asked by Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what efforts they are making in respect of Morocco's international human rights obligations in regard to the citizens of Western Sahara; and what steps they have taken in respect of neutralising the Moroccan wall and associated weaponry.[HL263]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): We encourage concrete progress towards improving human rights in Western Sahara in discussions with the parties to the dispute over the territory, and at the UN Security Council. The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, my right Hon. Friend the Member for Faversham and Mid Kent (Mr Robertson), discussed human rights in Western Sahara during his visit to Morocco in March. We welcome Morocco’s recent commitments to investigate complaints of human rights violations made to the National Council for Human Rights within three months, and to end military tribunal trials for civilians.
Demining teams from the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the Moroccan Army and Polisario continue to co-operate to clear unexploded ordnance on both sides of the Moroccan wall.
World War II: Anniversaries
Question
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to recognise women’s contribution during the Second World War as part of the 70th anniversary commemorations marking the end of the conflict. [HL209]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): Following the highly successful events to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day, planning to mark the end of the second world war will be progressed in the coming months. The crucial contribution that women made to the War, both at home and overseas, will be a significant element of these commemorations.