BSHF Evidence to Select Committee Consultation on Universal Credit

In December 2010, the Work and Pensions Select Committee held an inquiry into proposals to create a Universal Credit. These proposals were set out by the UK government in a White Paper titled ‘Universal Credit: Welfare that works’. BSHF submitted written evidence to the Select Committee on these proposals.

This submission supports the government’s commitment to welfare reform. However, the White Paper provides only a brief outline of the housing component of Universal Credit. If Universal Credit does not deal effectively with housing it will fail to achieve its objectives.

BSHF made a number of specific recommendations regarding the design of the housing component of the Universal Credit.