Written questions by McMurdock.

What steps she is taking to provide employment support to young people not in education, employment or training.

The Get Britain Working White Paper set out our cross-Government plan to get people into work and get on at work. A key focus is supporting young people into employment, education or training. We are planning to offer greater employment support in every part of the country to ensure that those who need it – including young people – can access opportunities to get into work and fulfil their potential. As part of this, the government will launch a new Youth Guarantee for all young people aged 18-21 in England to ensure that they can access quality training opportunities, an apprenticeship or help to find work. DWP already provides young people aged 16-24 with labour market support through an extensive range of interventions at a national and local level. This includes flexible provision driven by local need, nationwide employment programmes and support delivered by Work Coaches based in our Jobcentres and in local communities working alongside partners. In addition, Youth Hubs and Jobcentres across the country are increasing awareness of the Flexible Support Fund, which can help cover costs such as transport to job interviews, Jobcentres and training courses – removing practical barriers to employment.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to make paternity DNA testing mandatory in all disputed child maintenance cases before deductions begin.

Parentage disputes can be raised at any point in the life cycle of a child maintenance case.If parentage is disputed before the initial maintenance calculation is made, the CMS will need to decide whether an assumption of parentage can be made. The circumstances on which the CMS can make an assumption about parentage are prescribed in legislation, such as the paying parent being registered as the father on the child’s birth certificate. If none of the assumption grounds apply, then a maintenance calculation cannot be made until the parentage dispute is resolved. If parentage cannot be assumed, all parties will be invited to take a DNA test. If parentage is disputed after the initial maintenance calculation is made, including instances where the maintenance is collected via wage deductions, the CMS will decide whether there is conclusive evidence to confirm that the paying parent is not the parent of the child in question. Conclusive evidence is either a DNA test result from an approved tester or a court declaration of parentage or non-parentage. Where a DNA test is requested by the paying parent, the cost is paid by the paying parent. If the DNA test shows that they are not the parent, they will no longer be liable for child maintenance payments and will receive a refund for the cost of the DNA test. The CMS will also consider an application for a refund of any maintenance paid to date. The DWP keeps all policies under review. Whenever the DWP does announce an intention to make significant policy changes then the Department will invite views and perspectives – including those of paying parents - through a process of consultation.

What plans she has to improve the Child Maintenance Service's procedural safeguards within paternity disputes.

Parentage disputes can be raised at any point in the life cycle of a child maintenance case.If parentage is disputed before the initial maintenance calculation is made, the CMS will need to decide whether an assumption of parentage can be made. The circumstances on which the CMS can make an assumption about parentage are prescribed in legislation, such as the paying parent being registered as the father on the child’s birth certificate. If none of the assumption grounds apply, then a maintenance calculation cannot be made until the parentage dispute is resolved. If parentage cannot be assumed, all parties will be invited to take a DNA test. If parentage is disputed after the initial maintenance calculation is made, including instances where the maintenance is collected via wage deductions, the CMS will decide whether there is conclusive evidence to confirm that the paying parent is not the parent of the child in question. Conclusive evidence is either a DNA test result from an approved tester or a court declaration of parentage or non-parentage. Where a DNA test is requested by the paying parent, the cost is paid by the paying parent. If the DNA test shows that they are not the parent, they will no longer be liable for child maintenance payments and will receive a refund for the cost of the DNA test. The CMS will also consider an application for a refund of any maintenance paid to date. The DWP keeps all policies under review. Whenever the DWP does announce an intention to make significant policy changes then the Department will invite views and perspectives – including those of paying parents - through a process of consultation.

What plans she has to review the child maintenance service policy to ensure there are no wage deductions before paternity is (a) legally and (b) biologically confirmed.

Parentage disputes can be raised at any point in the life cycle of a child maintenance case.If parentage is disputed before the initial maintenance calculation is made, the CMS will need to decide whether an assumption of parentage can be made. The circumstances on which the CMS can make an assumption about parentage are prescribed in legislation, such as the paying parent being registered as the father on the child’s birth certificate. If none of the assumption grounds apply, then a maintenance calculation cannot be made until the parentage dispute is resolved. If parentage cannot be assumed, all parties will be invited to take a DNA test. If parentage is disputed after the initial maintenance calculation is made, including instances where the maintenance is collected via wage deductions, the CMS will decide whether there is conclusive evidence to confirm that the paying parent is not the parent of the child in question. Conclusive evidence is either a DNA test result from an approved tester or a court declaration of parentage or non-parentage. Where a DNA test is requested by the paying parent, the cost is paid by the paying parent. If the DNA test shows that they are not the parent, they will no longer be liable for child maintenance payments and will receive a refund for the cost of the DNA test. The CMS will also consider an application for a refund of any maintenance paid to date. The DWP keeps all policies under review. Whenever the DWP does announce an intention to make significant policy changes then the Department will invite views and perspectives – including those of paying parents - through a process of consultation.

Whether she has undertaken a recent review of the Child Maintenance Service's approach to paternity disputes.

Parentage disputes can be raised at any point in the life cycle of a child maintenance case.If parentage is disputed before the initial maintenance calculation is made, the CMS will need to decide whether an assumption of parentage can be made. The circumstances on which the CMS can make an assumption about parentage are prescribed in legislation, such as the paying parent being registered as the father on the child’s birth certificate. If none of the assumption grounds apply, then a maintenance calculation cannot be made until the parentage dispute is resolved. If parentage cannot be assumed, all parties will be invited to take a DNA test. If parentage is disputed after the initial maintenance calculation is made, including instances where the maintenance is collected via wage deductions, the CMS will decide whether there is conclusive evidence to confirm that the paying parent is not the parent of the child in question. Conclusive evidence is either a DNA test result from an approved tester or a court declaration of parentage or non-parentage. Where a DNA test is requested by the paying parent, the cost is paid by the paying parent. If the DNA test shows that they are not the parent, they will no longer be liable for child maintenance payments and will receive a refund for the cost of the DNA test. The CMS will also consider an application for a refund of any maintenance paid to date. The DWP keeps all policies under review. Whenever the DWP does announce an intention to make significant policy changes then the Department will invite views and perspectives – including those of paying parents - through a process of consultation.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of child maintenance deductions before paternity was disproven on the finances of men who were subsequently shown to have been wrongly identified as fathers.

Parentage disputes can be raised at any point in the life cycle of a child maintenance case.If parentage is disputed before the initial maintenance calculation is made, the CMS will need to decide whether an assumption of parentage can be made. The circumstances on which the CMS can make an assumption about parentage are prescribed in legislation, such as the paying parent being registered as the father on the child’s birth certificate. If none of the assumption grounds apply, then a maintenance calculation cannot be made until the parentage dispute is resolved. If parentage cannot be assumed, all parties will be invited to take a DNA test. If parentage is disputed after the initial maintenance calculation is made, including instances where the maintenance is collected via wage deductions, the CMS will decide whether there is conclusive evidence to confirm that the paying parent is not the parent of the child in question. Conclusive evidence is either a DNA test result from an approved tester or a court declaration of parentage or non-parentage. Where a DNA test is requested by the paying parent, the cost is paid by the paying parent. If the DNA test shows that they are not the parent, they will no longer be liable for child maintenance payments and will receive a refund for the cost of the DNA test. The CMS will also consider an application for a refund of any maintenance paid to date. The DWP keeps all policies under review. Whenever the DWP does announce an intention to make significant policy changes then the Department will invite views and perspectives – including those of paying parents - through a process of consultation.

What steps he is taking to ensure workplaces are accessible for people with (a) multiple medical conditions and (b) less visible disabilities.

This Government is committed to improving the access to and retention of disabled people and those with health conditions in the workplace. To this end, as part of Get Britain Working, the Keep Britain Working review being undertaken by Sir Charlie Mayfield is considering what more employers and government can do to enable employers to recruit and retain people with health conditions and disabilities and promote healthy and inclusive workplaces. The Pathways to Work paper builds on this by consulting on enhancements to support for workplace adjustments. Earlier this year, we also launched an independent panel of academics with expertise and experiences of neurodiversity to advise us on boosting neurodiversity awareness and inclusion at work. In the meantime, we continue to run a digital information service which provided tailored guidance for businesses to support employees to remain in work and to oversee the Disability Confident Scheme which encourages employers to create inclusive and accessible workplaces.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the level of support available for families with disabled children.

The Department understands that families with disabled children face additional costs and needs and pays close attention to the evidence base on extra costs faced by disabled people. People who are caring for disabled or ill children can apply for several benefits including Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carers Allowance (CA) and Universal Credit (UC).DLA is a tax-free contribution, worth up to £187.45 a week, to help meet the extra costs that arise from a disability or long-term health condition. DLA can passport to a range of additional support such as the Motability Scheme and child disability additions within income related benefits. DLA has been consistently uprated in line with inflation and is forecast to provide over £5 billion of financial support in 2025-26.CA provides a measure of financial support and recognition for unpaid carers who are unable to work full time due to their caring responsibilities. The DWP provides over £4 billion of financial support through CA to unpaid carers, including those caring for disabled children.The Disabled Child Addition in UC, worth up to £495.87 per month, is intended to provide extra support to low-income families with a disabled child. Carers on a low income who provide unpaid care for at least 35 hours per week for a severely disabled person can get an additional Carer Element of £201.86 per month as part of their UC award.Families are urged to check they are getting the support they are entitled to, which can also include help with transport, aids and appliances, prescription charges and council tax costs. Further information on what is available can be found online at: Disabled people - GOV.UK.At present, children with continuing entitlement to benefit transition from DLA to the adult benefit, Personal Independence Payment, at age 16. The Pathways to Work Green Paper, published in March, proposed that the age of transition should in future be raised from 16 to 18. The current consultation on this proposal will be open until 30 June.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the new four point rule for daily living on households where there are more than one claimant who will no longer qualify.

No assessment has been made. The Department does not hold data on the number of other people living in the households of individual Personal Independence Payment claimants. Information on the proportion of households that receive multiple Personal Independence Payment awards can be found in the answer to PQ 48279 here Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament. 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). After taking account of behavioural changes, OBR predicts that 370,000 people who will be receiving PIP at the point of implementation of the four point requirement in November 2026, will have lost their PIP Daily Living entitlement by 2029/30. Of all PIP recipients at the point of implementation, 9 in 10 will not lose PIP during the subsequent 3 years from this change.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of PIP reforms on support for carers receiving carer's allowance.

We have committed to introduce a new requirement that, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria, claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment. Our intention is that – subject to parliamentary approval – the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026.This government is committed to supporting carers, who do one of the most valuable jobs in society, unpaid. As the Green Paper sets out, we are consulting on the support needed for those who may lose any entitlements as a result of not receiving PIP daily living and what this support could look like. We will also work closely with the DHSC and others on how the health and eligible care needs of those who would lose entitlement to PIP could be met outside the benefits system.

What steps he is taking to ensure that people with moderate but wide-ranging needs are not negatively impacted by the new four point rule for daily living.

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 Personal Independence Payment (PIP). We are mindful of the impact this change to PIP eligibility could have on people. That is why, in the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working (published on 18 March), we are consulting on how best to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met.The PIP assessment considers the needs arising from a long-term health condition or disability, not the health condition or disability itself. Therefore, the impact in each case will depend on an individual’s circumstances. For those already on PIP, the changes will only apply from November 2026 at their next award review, subject to parliamentary approval. People will be reviewed by a trained assessor or healthcare professional and assessed on individual needs and circumstance. More information on the impacts and equality analysis for these changes published on 26 March can be found: Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper - GOV.UK .

What steps she is taking to provide financial support to families with disabled children.

The Department understands that families with disabled children face additional costs and needs and pays close attention to the evidence base on extra costs faced by disabled people. People who are caring for disabled or ill children can apply for several benefits including Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carers Allowance (CA) and Universal Credit (UC).DLA is a tax-free contribution, worth up to £187.45 a week, to help meet the extra costs that arise from a disability or long-term health condition. DLA can passport to a range of additional support such as the Motability Scheme and child disability additions within income related benefits. DLA has been consistently uprated in line with inflation and is forecast to provide over £5 billion of financial support in 2025-26.CA provides a measure of financial support and recognition for unpaid carers who are unable to work full time due to their caring responsibilities. The DWP provides over £4 billion of financial support through CA to unpaid carers, including those caring for disabled children.The Disabled Child Addition in UC, worth up to £495.87 per month, is intended to provide extra support to low-income families with a disabled child. Carers on a low income who provide unpaid care for at least 35 hours per week for a severely disabled person can get an additional Carer Element of £201.86 per month as part of their UC award.Families are urged to check they are getting the support they are entitled to, which can also include help with transport, aids and appliances, prescription charges and council tax costs. Further information on what is available can be found online at: Disabled people - GOV.UK.At present, children with continuing entitlement to benefit transition from DLA to the adult benefit, Personal Independence Payment, at age 16. The Pathways to Work Green Paper, published in March, proposed that the age of transition should in future be raised from 16 to 18. The current consultation on this proposal will be open until 30 June.

If she will make an estimate of the number of people accessing foodbanks who work (a) full time and (b) part time.

Statistics on the number of individuals living in families that have used foodbanks in the past 30 days and 12 months are published on Stat-Xplore (https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/), including breakdowns by Economic Status of the Adult, in the Households Below Average Income dataset. The latest statistics were published on 21 March 2025 and are for the financial year 2023/24.We are committed to tackling food poverty and ending mass dependence of emergency food parcels. To inform this work, DWP officials have engaged with a range of organisations to better understand the complex food poverty landscape. We also continue to provide substantial funding to Local Authorities to support those most in need, and are extending the Household Support Fund (HSF) by a further year until March 2026, providing funding of £742 million in England. This will ensure low-income households can continue to access support towards the cost of essentials, such as food.We know that good work can significantly reduce the chances of people falling into poverty so this will be the foundation of our approach. Our plan to Make Work Pay, will help more people to stay in work, improve job security and boost living standards, including by increasing the National Living Wage to £12.21 an hour to boost the pay of three million workers. It is a core part of the mission to grow the economy, raise living standards across the country and create opportunities for all.

What steps her Department is taking to (a) streamline application processes and (b) use technology for digital proof of IDs for pension claims made through the Government Gateway.

For State Pension claims, citizens are invited to claim by letter four months in advance of their State Pension Age. Citizens are provided a unique identifier to use the digital claim service. Where citizens cannot use the digital service, they are directed to a telephony service where identity is validated, and the application is completed on the citizens behalf. There is no need to use the Government Gateway.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of increasing the rate of statutory sick pay on financial costs for small businesses.

The Department undertook a Regulatory Impact Assessment covering the measures in the Employment Rights Bill to strengthen Statutory Sick Pay: removing the Lower Earnings Limit and the waiting period. This can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments. The Regulatory Impact Assessment estimates that small and micro businesses pay around 60% of the annual SSP cost to employer.

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help support working age non-graduates find permanent employment.

The Get Britain Working White Paper set out Governments ambition to reduce economic inactivity and increase the number of people in work.Key proposals include:Creating a new jobs and careers service to support more people into work and help them progress in their careers.Introducing a Youth Guarantee for all 18-21 year olds in England, ensuring they have access to education, training, or help to find work.Developing local Get Britain Working plans to tackle economic inactivity at a local level, led by Mayors and local areas.Launching the Keep Britain Working review, an independent review into the role of UK employers in reducing health-related inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces.Reforming health and disability benefits to support people who can work to remain in or start employment. In addition, more pre-employment training courses are being made available to benefit claimants through an expansion of DWP’s Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). (Up from 80,000 a year in 2021/22 to 2024/25, to 100,000 a year from 2025/26.) SWAPs offer certain participants in England and Scotland the opportunity of training towards a job in a particular industry, alongside a work placement and a guaranteed interview. We have set out plans to overhaul our support for employers by hosting summits with representatives across sectors crucial to growth, serving employers through a dedicated team, providing an account manager for employers and commissioning Sir Charlie Mayfield to lead an independent review into the role of employers in reducing health-related inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces. In addition, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is tasked with making work pay through upgrading workers' rights and engaging businesses, with a focus on key sectors to take advantage of new opportunities and promote growth. The DBT's Employment Rights Bill and Industrial Strategy Council aim to make work more secure, boost wages, and help working people thrive.

How much Pension Credit was paid out in the latest reporting period; and what proportion of this was subject to fraud or error.

The latest published DWP Benefit expenditure and caseload tables show that in 2023/24, Pension Credit expenditure (outturn) was £5,467 million (nominal terms). These figures are based on Autumn Statement 2024 and are available at: Benefit expenditure and caseload tables 2024 - GOV.UK.However, the latest DWP Fraud and Error statistics for financial year 2023/2024 are based on Spring Statement 2024 and estimate that of the £5,400 million Pension Credit expenditure (forecast, rounded to £100m), £520 million is due to fraud and error overpayment (where the Department pays people too much money).This equates to an overpayment of 9.7% of Pension Credit expenditure (nominal terms, based on Spring Statement 2024). This data can be found here: Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2023 to 2024 estimates - GOV.UK. The estimates are published annually, and the next release is planned for May 2025, which will estimate fraud and error in benefit claims for the financial year ending 2025.

What the average processing time is for Pension Credit applications; and what the target processing time is for the coming financial year.

DWP works to a planned timescale of 50 working days to clear Pension Credit claims. In 2023/24 DWP cleared 192,000 Pension Credit claims within the planned 50 working day timescale, equating to 77.7%. [Source: DWP annual report and accounts 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK] The latest available management information for week commencing 17th February 2025 shows that the Average Actual Clearance Time for Pension Credit was 52.8 working days. This data aligns to the latest week included within the external publication of Official Statistics for Pension Credit Pension Credit is a complex benefit, and some claims require additional investigation or information from the customer, which can result in longer processing times. As a result of the increase in Pension Credit claims following the Winter Fuel Payments policy announcement, the Department has deployed over 500 additional people to ensure it has the capacity to assess all claims in reasonable timescales. Please note, The Average Actual Clearance Time figure shown is unpublished management information, collected and intended for internal departmental use and has not been quality assured to National Statistics or Official Statistics publication standard. It is rounded to the nearest working day and based on the week the claim was cleared, rather than the week the claim was made.

What assessment she has made of recent trends in the number of 18-24 year olds claiming unemployment benefits.

ONS data on 18-24 year-olds claiming unemployment-related benefits is available at: CLA02: Claimant Count by age group - Office for National Statistics

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the age people can receive full Carers allowance above retirement age.

I refer the honourable member to the answer I gave on 14 October 2024 to question UIN 6904.