DWP update after calls for £7,500 Universal Credit increase

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has responded to proposals to increase Universal Credit payments by over £620 a month. The plan was put forward by Labour MP Chris Hinchliff posed as a question in Parliament, asking if the Government would consider expanding the child element of Universal Credit.

Currently, claimants can receive additional payments on top of their monthly standard allowance if they have children. This includes extra cash for the first and second child, with further payments available for third and subsequent children born before 6 April 2017, under certain circumstances.

However, Mr Hinchliff, who represents North East Hertfordshire, queried whether the Government would consider introducing additional rates for the third and other children. He suggested potential rates could include "a child element of Universal Credit of (i) £287.92, (ii) £191.95 and (iii) £143.96 for (A) third and (B) further children".

If a claimant received all three of these additional payments, their claim could increase by £623.83 a month, or £7,485.96 annually. Responding to the calls for increased payments, Work and Pensions minister Alison McGovern outlined the Government's plans.

She stated: "We are committed to tackling child poverty and are introducing free breakfast clubs in every primary school to ensure children are fed a nutritious breakfast and are ready to learn. The new ministerial taskforce will drive cross-government action on child poverty, starting with overseeing the development of our ambitious new strategy in line with the opportunity mission."

"After initial engagement, the formal work to develop the new child poverty strategy will begin and we will publish a full terms of reference in the coming