To ask the Minister for Communities what actions her Department is taking to make claimants aware that they will have a reduction in payment following the end of the £20 per week Covid uplift; and what support is she putting in place to counter the negative impact this will have on vulnerable people and children still being impacted by the long-term effects of Covid, such as increased cost of living.

Throughout my time in office I have repeatedly demonstrated my determination to protect the most vulnerable people in our society and to targeting resources to those most in need.

I have continuously expressed my grave concern that the £20 uplift in Universal Credit is being withdrawn, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. If the uplift is not extended after 5 October 2021, I will include it as part of the planned review of welfare mitigations measures.

To ensure people on Universal Credit are given as much advance notice as possible about this change, monthly reminder messages have been sent to each person’s individual journal account from July. The last journal message will be delivered between 8 and 17 September and this will give the date for each individual’s final £20 uplift payment.

These journal messages also provide details of independent organisations who can help with debt and money advice for anyone who is anxious or worried about this change. Further information is also provided to signpost people to the full range of existing support provided by the Department’s Make the Call service and the financial help that is available from the Adviser Discretionary Fund and Discretionary Support service.

My Department’s Debt Management team will also be available to discuss repayment options with anyone who may experience difficulty making repayments to the Department.