Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:45 pm on 6 December 2017.
The UK Government has also allocated—. Time's a bit short now, I'm afraid, Mick. I'm a bit worried that I'll run out, but if there's time at the end, I will. The UK Government has also allocated £8 million over four years to develop evidence over what works to help people progress in work.
Department for Work and Pensions officials have been working with the devolved administrations since March 2012 on plans for universal credit roll-out, and the UK Government issued the universal credit local support services framework in February 2013, developed between the DWP and partners including the Welsh Local Government Association, to help claimants not yet ready to budget for themselves and those who need alternative payment arrangements, including victims of domestic abuse.
When we hear, for example, that in Wales the average value of rent arrears under universal credit is £450, more than three times the UK average, we have to ask the Welsh Government what has gone wrong here. Community Housing Cymru believe that some of the issues surrounding universal credit could be targeted by improving communication between the DWP, tenants and landlords. We also need to consider solutions such as the social change Ark Passport scheme, allowing tenants to separate and prioritise rent and other payments, and giving landlords greater security. And we need to engage with the UK Government's 10-year strategy to transform disability employment and help 1 million more disabled people into work. Thank you.