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9 July, 2021 Open access

Social Security Advisory Committee raises concerns about DWP’s approach to reintroducing the MIF to universal credit

Committee suggests that claimants need more warning of impending change, and seeks early sight of guidance to work coaches on using discretion when assessing whether easement should continue

The SSAC has raised several concerns about the DWP's approach to reintroducing the Minimum Income Floor (MIF) to universal credit, as provided by the Universal Credit (Coronavirus) (Restoration of the Minimum Income Floor) Regulations 2021 (SI.No.807/2021).

In a letter to the DWP dated 7 July 2021, the Committee confirms that after scrutiny of the regulations it has decided it is not taking them on formal reference and that they may therefore proceed as planned.

However, the Committee raises concerns in relation to the apparent lack of any targeted communications to claimants about the reintroduction of the MIF. In addition, it asks to see draft guidance to work coaches on assessing when MIF easements may continue in individual cases. While noting that the DWP has given a broad overview of how discretion will be applied, the Committee says that -

'... it was less clear what specific factors work coaches would be able to consider, for example geographical considerations, impacts on particular sectors and the implications for the most vulnerable to coronavirus (for example those who cannot be vaccinated because of health conditions).'

Responding to the Committee, Minister for Employment Mims Davies advises in relation to letting claimants know about the changes that -

‘We will communicate the reintroduction of the MIF to individual claimants directly and have committed to send a journal message to each claimant at least a week before their gateway interview to provide notice that we need to review their current status.’

In addition, Ms Davies confirms that guidance for staff on the application of discretion is currently in development but will be shared with the Committee in the week prior to the regulations coming into force on 31 July 2021.

The correspondence between the SSAC and the Minister for Employment is available from gov.uk