Written Question·Department for Work and Pensions·UIN 16351

Universal Credit: Housing

Tabled: 6 July 2026
Answered: 15 July 2026

Question

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Liberal DemocratMaidenhead

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of protections for private landlords where Universal Credit housing costs have been paid to tenants but the rent has not subsequently been paid to the landlor

Answer

Sir Stephen Timms
The default position in Universal Credit is that claimants should manage their own finances, including payment of their rent. This encourages self-reliance and eases the transition back into work.Where a claimant is vulnerable or if they get into arrears,...

This is an extract from the Parliament API. Search the full answer on Parliament.uk (UIN 16351) →