MPs will see reports on universal credit, insists Pensions Secretary
THE GOVERNMENT will release a set of reports on the operation of Universal Credit to a Commons select committee, the Work and Pensions Secretary has said.
David Gauke said the Project Assessment Reviews would be passed over in confidence to the Work and Pensions select committee before MPs break for Christmas.
It comes as Labour attempted to use an arcane parliamentary procedure to force the reports to be released, as it attempted to put further pressure on Ministers over the flagship welfare reform.
Speaking during an opposition day debate, Mr Gauke said sharing information with select committees can be appropriate “in exceptional circumstances”.
He added: “In line with the motion before this House, I will provide, by the time the House rises for the Christmas recess, the reports directly to the Work and Pensions select committee.
“Now, I just wish to point out to the Shadow Secretary of State that her motion doesn’t require us to publish these reports, it doesn’t require us to lay it before the House.
“What is says specifically is to provide it to the Work and Pensions committee. In those circumstances, I think it is acceptable for us to do so.”
Mr Gauke said he would consider redacting certain information, such as that which is commercially sensitive, while the documents were being handed over in exceptional circumstances and did not set a precedent.
“Against this background, I provide the reports to the select committee on a confidential basis, and in these circumstances hope and expect that documents will not be disclosed further,” he added.
Labour were due to call a vote in the Commons to make a “humble address” to the Queen requesting that she order Ministers to release Project Assessment Reviews conducted into UC, which is gradually being introduced to replace six older benefits.