An influential Commons committee has branded ministers “disrespectful” after their response to criticism of Universal Credit “dismissed” points raised by hard-up single mothers.
The Work and Pensions Committee took the unusual step of replying to the government’s reaction to a recent report which was critical of how childcare support is paid for on the controversial benefit scheme.
MPs on the committee found that, rather than helping parents get back into work after having a child, Universal Credit often acts as a “barrier” to them getting a job.
But in a reply, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) appeared to “dismiss the very serious problems that are plaguing parents who are trying to get into work,” the committee said.
Furious chair and veteran MP Frank Field said ministers were treating both parliamentarians and witnesses “like dirt”.
“We on the committee are frankly sick of these disrespectful government responses that treat us like dirt and fail to engage with our robust, evidence-based conclusions,” Field said.
“It’s not clear they’ve even read this one. Worse, in responding this way, government dismisses the experience and evidence of the individuals and organisations that have taken the time, and made the effort, and are working with us to try to fix the unholy mess that is Universal Credit.
“This response in particular is simply not acceptable, and that is why we are taking the unusual step of issuing this report, demanding that they go back, look at what we and our witnesses have said, and come up with a second, decent response. This will not do.”
The committee’s report into childcare and Universal Credit included the testimony of a single mother, Thuto Mali, who said she was forced to turn down a well-paid job offer due to the huge upfront cost of childcare she would need to fund before starting work.
Many parents told the committee that the problems with funding childcare via Universal Credit, which replaces six benefit payments into one monthly instalment, often coincided with other drawbacks such as late payments.
Childcare costs can be reimbursed under Universal Credit for those who begin jobs but only after the cost has been paid and at the end of a so-called “assessment period”.
The committee’s latest report on the issue called for ministers to return with a response that considers solutions to avoid parents waiting up to two months for childcare payments.
A spokesperson for the DWP said: “These claims are disappointing, we take the committee’s input very seriously, have provided detailed responses to all of their recommendations and have already accepted some.
“We will now carefully consider their additional points.
“Universal Credit is supporting 1.8 million people and can pay up to 85% of people’s childcare costs, which is more generous than the old benefit system.”