Written questions by Maskell.

For what reason a single pensioner's household income could be less than that of a couple and the couple could be entitled to the Winter Fuel Allowance where the single pensioner was not.

Winter Fuel Payments are assessed and, where applicable, recovered on an individual basis rather than by reference to total household income. This reflects the structure of the personal tax system. Winter Fuel Payments remain a simple scheme to provide a lump sum payment to the majority of pensioners quickly and automatically, without the need to claim. The system for withdrawing the Winter Fuel Payment for those with higher incomes is simple and cost-effective to deliver. The £35,000 threshold means that more than three quarters of pensioners will benefit from the Winter Fuel Payment. The threshold is in line with average earnings and means those on lower and middle incomes are receiving the help they need whilst ensuring payments are better targeted than the previous near-universal payment; and ensuring fairness for both pensioners and taxpayers.

What public funding has been allocated to union-led workplace learning in each of the past five years.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 March 2026 to Question UIN 117323.

How much funding has been allocated to union-led workplace learning in each of the last five years.

The previous government ended the standalone Union Learning Fund (ULF) on 31 March 2021. The Adult Skills Fund funds a very broad range of provision, including to support the effective operation of Trade Unions such as for Trade Union Health & Safety Representatives. The Department is committed to working with employers, providers, and trade unions to ensure that high quality qualification and training pathways are meeting skills needs.

What the average end-to-end clearance time for a Universal Credit Work Capability Assessment was in each month since January 2025 for (a) new and (b) existing claimants.

The department regularly publishes Universal Credit Work Capability Assessment statistics and the development of clearance times is detailed in the release strategy for those statistics. Further details on the future publication of clearance times will be published in the DWP Statistical Work Programme in due course.

How many Universal Credit Work Capability Assessments were undertaken in each month since August 2025 for (a) new and (b) existing claimants.

The number of Universal Credit Work Capability Assessments undertaken in each month from August 2025 to December 2025 for a) new and b) existing claimants can be found in the table below: Aug 25Sep 25Oct 25Nov 25Dec 25(a) New37,00043,00042,00038,00031,000(b) Existing2,3002,8005,6003,2003,400 Please note: the volumes in the tables above have been rounded up to the nearest 1000/100.

How many (a) new and (b) existing claimants were waiting for a Universal Credit Work Capability Assessment in each month since January 2025.

The Department for Work and Pensions prioritises assessments for new claims to minimise waiting times and ensure claimants receive the right benefit entitlement as soon as possible. We are working with suppliers to increase capacity for clearing the backlog of reassessment cases, including by accelerating the recruitment of assessors. The number of new claimants waiting for a Universal Credit (UC) Work Capability Assessment (WCA) in each month since January 2025 can be found in the table below. MonthOutstanding UC WCAsJan-25220,000Feb-25220,000Mar-25220,000Apr-25210,000May-25200,000Jun-25210,000Jul-25210,000Aug-25210,000Sep-25210,000Oct-25230,000Nov-25240,000Dec-25250,000 The number of existing claimants waiting for an UC WCA in each month since January 2025 can be found in the table below. MonthOutstanding UC WCAsJan-2589,000Feb-2590,000Mar-2591,000Apr-2592,000May-2592,000Jun-2593,000Jul-2589,000Aug-2588,000Sep-2587,000Oct-2583,000Nov-2581,000Dec-2563,000 Please note:These volumes include all claimants currently within the assessment suppliers’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered.Figures have been rounded. Values between 100,000 and 1,000,000 rounded to the nearest 10,000, between 10,000 and 100,000 rounded to nearest 1,000This data is readily available from internal Management Information (MI) which is of a sufficiently robust standard.

What steps he is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances.

The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future. We will co-produce the Review with disabled people, and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly. We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.

If she will ensure that people in receipt of Carers Allowance will to continue to receive that allowance if the person being cared for is no longer in receipt of social security support.

Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting people with long-term health conditions and disabilities, and this Government recognises and appreciates the vital contribution made by all unpaid carers. Carer’s Allowance recognises this contribution and reflects the reduced earnings potential of people providing unpaid care to a friend, neighbour or relative who is in receipt of an additional-needs disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). As the Government introduces changes to PIP eligibility, it is mindful of the potential impact on unpaid carers. Under the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill we have committed to introduce a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This will target payments at people who have a higher level of functional need in at least one area. Our intention is that the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. It also commits to providing a 13-week run-on for existing PIP claimants who – at their next award review – are no longer eligible for that benefit as a result of these changes. This is to allow for a longer period of adjustment. During this period, Carer’s Allowance will also continue to be payable where a friend, neighbour or relative is providing 35 hours or more of care to the PIP recipient. The Government will continue to listen to views on wider support for people with long-term health conditions and disabilities, including support provided to them by unpaid carers.

What steps she is taking to support children of disabled people who have had PIP removed.

PIP provides a contribution to the extra costs an individual faces as a result of needs arising from a long-term health condition or disability. It is not an income replacement benefit.We have committed to introduce a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This will target PIP at people who have a higher level of functional need in at least one area. Our intention is that the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.We are mindful of the impact this change to PIP eligibility could have on people. That is why we have committed that existing claimants who lose eligibility as a result of these changes will continue to receive PIP and its associated benefits and entitlements for 13 weeks following their award review. This protection is non-negotiable and will be included on the face of the Bill. This transitional cover is one of the most generous ever and more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is a priority for this Government, and we will bring forward the Child Poverty Strategy in the Autumn, exploring all available levers to drive forward short and long-term actions across government to reduce child poverty.Further steps are being taken to support households facing the greatest hardship and financial crisis. We provided £1 billion, including Barnett impact, to extend the Household Support Fund in England and Discretionary Housing Payments in England and Wales in 2025-2026. And we have now announced reform to crisis support, including the first multi-year settlement for a new Crisis and Resilience Fund in England.We are increasing the Living Wage, uprating benefits and supporting 700,000 of the poorest families by introducing a Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions to help low-income households. We also recognise that the basic rate of Universal Credit is too low. That is why for the first time since 1980 we are increasing the core unemployment benefit by more than inflation on a sustained and permanent basis, subject to parliamentary approval, as part of our welfare reform.

What support will be available to disabled people that are unable to secure employment after the implementation of planned changes to Pathways to Work.

We are delivering the biggest investment in support for disabled people and those with health conditions in at least a generation – a total of £1.9bn over 4 years. Our Pathways to Work Guarantee will provide work, health and skills support for disabled people and those with health conditions claiming out of work benefits. Our new support offer will begin to roll out next year backed by £200 million - to ensure that those affected by the benefit changes in England, Scotland and Wales will be offered support by one of 1,000 dedicated Pathways to Work advisors. This will include access to a conversation about needs, goals and aspirations; an offer of one-to-one follow-on support; and help to access additional work, health and skills support through dedicated programmes. These programmes include Connect to Work, which will support around 100,000 people with disabilities, health conditions or other complex barriers to employment in 2026/27, Trailblazers and WorkWell, which join up health and employment support at a local level. This will be a guarantee of support to address work, health and skills needs, available to claimants as long as they need it. The social security system will always be there for those who cannot work. We are committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable and severely disabled people are protected, so they can live with dignity and security, while supporting those who can work to do so. That is why we are legislating for people with the most severe, lifelong conditions to be protected from future reassessment for Universal Credit entitlement and paid the higher rate of the Universal Credit health top-up.

What steps she is taking to support disabled people who (a) are too ill to work and (b) score less than 3 points under Pathways to Work.

We have committed to introduce a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This will target PIP at people who have a higher level of functional need in at least one area. Our intention is that the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. We are mindful of the impact this change to PIP eligibility could have on people. That is why we have committed that existing claimants who lose eligibility as a result of these changes will continue to receive PIP and its associated benefits and entitlements for 13 weeks following their award review. This protection is non-negotiable and will be included on the face of the Bill. This transitional cover is one of the most generous ever and more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP. Meanwhile, in the Green Paper we are consulting on what else is needed to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure that health and eligible care needs are met.

Whether she plans to take steps to ensure that work-trial schemes allow people to return to previous levels of social security if they are not successful.

The DWP Work Trial scheme is one of several DWP initiatives that support jobseekers into sustainable work. Allowing some jobseekers who have successfully applied for a job, to do that job for a short unpaid period, whilst retaining benefits. Specifically, a Work Trial can help jobseekers overcome any doubts about whether they can manage their new job alongside other commitments such as caring responsibilities or managing their disability or health condition. On top of this, DWP will offer to support the jobseeker with certain expenses incurred for the duration of the Work Trial. Work Trials allow both the jobseeker and employer to ensure the job fits both parties before becoming an employee. If the Work Trial does not result in ongoing employment the jobseeker will retain their benefit, and their entitlement does not change unless their circumstances do. More information on Work Trials can be found at https://www.gov.uk/jobcentre-plus-help-for-rcruiters/work-trials.

What steps she is taking to ensure that people who lose (a) PIP and (b) the Universal Credit health element have timely access to (a) psychological services and (b) suicide prevention professionals during the transition period.

We are aware from working closely with health colleagues that there is increased anxiety relating to the Green Paper changes resulting in people seeking health related support.We want to reassure people that the changes to PIP will not come into effect immediately. The changes will apply from November 2026 at a person’s next award review. If an existing claimant loses eligibility to PIP, they will continue to receive their full entitlement for 13 weeks after their award review. This will provide time for individuals to respond to their new situation, including accessing employment support if appropriate. This transitional cover is more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.Through the Pathways to Work Green Paper, the Department is consulting on what else is needed to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure that health and eligible care needs are met. The Department has secured the first ever multi year settlement for the household support fund – now the crisis and resilience fund, which gives councils certainty about the money they are getting to help people struggling. Guidance has been issued strongly encouraging Local Authorities in England to support disabled people using the Household Support Fund through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund which starts from April 2026However, we do recognise this will still be concerning for people - and that, as a department, we come into contact with some claimants who have complex needs or are vulnerable. The department already has processes in place to support and safeguard people who use our services, and we will continue to provide this support as changes are taken forward.If someone within a job centre is identified as being at risk of suicide, there is the 6-point plan that will be invoked. We already have robust safeguarding processes in place during the assessments where our trained health care professionals can make contact with the claimant’s GP or mental health team if they are concerned that there has been or is a risk of deterioration to the mental or physical health of an individual.We want to go further so that there is a clear and transparent process in place to ensure vulnerable individuals are adequately supported. In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we have committed to undertaking a thorough review of our current approach to safeguarding, with the aim of developing and implementing a new departmental-wide approach.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to social security payments after a three month transition period on disabled people.

We are aware from working closely with health colleagues that there is increased anxiety relating to the Green Paper changes resulting in people seeking health related support.We want to reassure people that the changes to PIP will not come into effect immediately. The changes will apply from November 2026 at a person’s next award review. If an existing claimant loses eligibility to PIP, they will continue to receive their full entitlement for 13 weeks after their award review. This will provide time for individuals to respond to their new situation, including accessing employment support if appropriate. This transitional cover is more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.Through the Pathways to Work Green Paper, the Department is consulting on what else is needed to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure that health and eligible care needs are met. The Department has secured the first ever multi year settlement for the household support fund – now the crisis and resilience fund, which gives councils certainty about the money they are getting to help people struggling. Guidance has been issued strongly encouraging Local Authorities in England to support disabled people using the Household Support Fund through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund which starts from April 2026However, we do recognise this will still be concerning for people - and that, as a department, we come into contact with some claimants who have complex needs or are vulnerable. The department already has processes in place to support and safeguard people who use our services, and we will continue to provide this support as changes are taken forward.If someone within a job centre is identified as being at risk of suicide, there is the 6-point plan that will be invoked. We already have robust safeguarding processes in place during the assessments where our trained health care professionals can make contact with the claimant’s GP or mental health team if they are concerned that there has been or is a risk of deterioration to the mental or physical health of an individual.We want to go further so that there is a clear and transparent process in place to ensure vulnerable individuals are adequately supported. In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we have committed to undertaking a thorough review of our current approach to safeguarding, with the aim of developing and implementing a new departmental-wide approach.

What plans her Department has to assess the increased cost of (a) health and (b) social care on people following the loss of (i) PIP and (ii) Universal Credit health element.

Our plans are designed to protect the most vulnerable and give disabled people equal chances and choices to work. We will always work to ensure that the most vulnerable and severely disabled people are protected and consider how best we can support people as we bring forward reforms – which is why we have put protections on the face of our Bill. We are very mindful of the impacts of PIP eligibility changes and that is why we are consulting on how best to support those who may lose entitlement. It is why we have committed that existing claimants who lose eligibility as a result of these changes will continue to receive PIP and its associated benefits and entitlements for 13 weeks following their award review. This transitional cover is one of the most generous ever and more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP. We are investing £200 million in 2026/27 to ensure everyone who loses PIP is guaranteed access to an adviser to help with work, health and skills support. As set out in the Green Paper and the Bill, we are taking further action to protect people with most severe, lifelong conditions. We will ensure this group are protected from future reassessment for Universal Credit entitlement and paid the higher rate of the Universal Credit health top-up so they can live with dignity and security. We are also working closely with DHSC as we develop the detail on these policies, to ensure eligible health and care needs are met. We will continue to consider the wider impacts of reforms including on local authorities. Further details on these changes will be set out in a White Paper in the Autumn.

What steps she is planning to take to support disabled people following the potential loss of (a) Universal Credit and (b) PIP.

Our plans are designed to protect the most vulnerable and give disabled people equal chances and choices to work. We will always work to ensure that the most vulnerable and severely disabled people are protected and consider how best we can support people as we bring forward reforms – which is why we have put protections on the face of our Bill. We are very mindful of the impacts of PIP eligibility changes and that is why we are consulting on how best to support those who may lose entitlement. It is why we have committed that existing claimants who lose eligibility as a result of these changes will continue to receive PIP and its associated benefits and entitlements for 13 weeks following their award review. This transitional cover is one of the most generous ever and more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP. We are investing £200 million in 2026/27 to ensure everyone who loses PIP is guaranteed access to an adviser to help with work, health and skills support. As set out in the Green Paper and the Bill, we are taking further action to protect people with most severe, lifelong conditions. We will ensure this group are protected from future reassessment for Universal Credit entitlement and paid the higher rate of the Universal Credit health top-up so they can live with dignity and security. We are also working closely with DHSC as we develop the detail on these policies, to ensure eligible health and care needs are met. We will continue to consider the wider impacts of reforms including on local authorities. Further details on these changes will be set out in a White Paper in the Autumn.

Whether it is her Department's policy that local authorities will be required to subsidise the loss of (a) PIP and (b) Universal Credit Health Element to disabled people.

Our plans are designed to protect the most vulnerable and give disabled people equal chances and choices to work. We will always work to ensure that the most vulnerable and severely disabled people are protected and consider how best we can support people as we bring forward reforms – which is why we have put protections on the face of our Bill. We are very mindful of the impacts of PIP eligibility changes and that is why we are consulting on how best to support those who may lose entitlement. It is why we have committed that existing claimants who lose eligibility as a result of these changes will continue to receive PIP and its associated benefits and entitlements for 13 weeks following their award review. This transitional cover is one of the most generous ever and more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP. We are investing £200 million in 2026/27 to ensure everyone who loses PIP is guaranteed access to an adviser to help with work, health and skills support. As set out in the Green Paper and the Bill, we are taking further action to protect people with most severe, lifelong conditions. We will ensure this group are protected from future reassessment for Universal Credit entitlement and paid the higher rate of the Universal Credit health top-up so they can live with dignity and security. We are also working closely with DHSC as we develop the detail on these policies, to ensure eligible health and care needs are met. We will continue to consider the wider impacts of reforms including on local authorities. Further details on these changes will be set out in a White Paper in the Autumn.

What plans her Department has to provide support to people who are unable to secure employment after the transition period.

We are delivering the biggest investment in support for disabled people and those with health conditions in at least a generation. Our Pathways to Work Guarantee will provide work, health and skills support for disabled people and those with health conditions claiming out of work benefits.We are increasing funding each year up to £1billion a year by the end of the scorecard. This includes additional funding in 2026/27 to ensure that those affected by benefit changes in England, Scotland and Wales will be offered support with their work, health and skills needs. We anticipate this support will include: access to a conversation about needs, goals and aspirations from one of our 1,000 dedicated Pathways to Work advisors; an offer of one-to-one follow-on support; and help to access additional work, health and skills support through dedicated programmes.These programmes include Connect to Work, which is already rolling out and will support around 100,000 disabled people, people with health conditions or other complex barriers to employment in 2026/27, Trailblazers and WorkWell, which join up health and employment support at a local level.We are also consulting on what broader support might be needed for those affected by PIP changes, including improving their experiences of the health and social care system, and will consider these responses as we develop detailed proposals for change.

What plans her Department has to assess the impact of losing PIP to people in employment.

Approximately 17% of current PIP claimants are in employment.The Office of Budget Responsibility has committed to produce an assessment of the labour market impacts of the proposals in the Pathways to Work Green Paper at the time of the autumn budget.Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published here ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper’(opens in a new tab).A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of ending conditionality through sanctioning in relation to social security.

The Department has made no assessment on ending conditionality through sanctioning. It is right that there should be conditions and consequences to labour market support. We will continue to ensure that claimants who need support receive it and consider how to best tailor this support to their individual needs.