We analyse the Autumn Statement 2023 to see what it means for families on the lowest incomes. Part 1 of 6 blogs.

Evidence into DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work
Policy in Practice was pleased to submit evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee’s inquiry into how prepared DWP and its Jobcentre Plus network is for changes in the world of work brought about by new technology.
The Committee asked to hear about the challenges DWP faces as a result of technological change, the extent to which it is already prepared for these, and what further changes might be needed to best support claimants in the future world of work.
July 2020

The Economics of Universal Credit
Policy in Practice welcomed the call for evidence by the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee into the economics of Universal Credit and submitted evidence based on our own analysis, alongside feedback and recommendations from the frontline organisations with work with.
Our analysis considered how well has Universal Credit met its original objectives, and whether these the right ones; the economic impact and fiscal entrenchment; which claimants have benefited most from the Universal Credit reforms and which have lost out; how the world of work has changed since the introduction of Universal Credit and whether Universal Credit’s design adequately reflect the reality of low-paid work and how Universal Credit can better meet the lived experience of claimants.
February 2020

Universal Credit and Financial Resilience
Our Universal Credit analysis identifies 7 factors that determine a household’s ability to cope with the transition to Universal Credit. We find that at least 3.3 million households yet to move to Universal Credit, will face at least one of these challenges. But these factors can often interact and overlap. In addition, at least 1.2 million low-income households will face two or more of these challenges. We give 4 recommendations that Government should adopt now: a targeted grant in place of the Universal Credit advance payment, two-week run-on of Child Tax Credit, fortnightly payments of Universal Credit and greater flexibility in processes.

Natural migration to Universal Credit
Zoe Charlesworth, Head of Policy was invited to give evidence to the Work and Pensions Select Committee on how moving onto Universal Credit will affect people and the differences between ‘natural’ and ‘managed’ migration.
March 2019

Managed migration to Universal Credit consultation
In August 2018 we submitted evidence to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC)’s consultation on proposals for moving all existing claimants of a working age income-related benefit to Universal Credit.
We argued that the choice is between delivering a generic managed migration process to all households, versus a much more tailored, personalised approach. We said this opportunity to engage households should be seized, with the ambition not only to help people onto Universal Credit, but also to help people take steps toward independence.
August 2018

The implications of Universal Credit for people living with motor neurone disease (MND)
The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND Association) is interested in the impact that Universal Credit will have on people living with motor neurone disease (MND). Policy in Practice has been commissioned to carry out this research and present the findings in a report.
The report provides a background to Universal Credit and looks in-depth at those elements of Universal Credit that bear most relevance to people living with MND. It examines the Universal Credit claim process, highlights how this differs from legacy benefits, and the resulting impacts on those living with MND. The report makes recommendations that would assist the customer journey for those with MND.
Illustrative case studies that link to the Policy in Practice Better Off Calculator, that enable further modelling of benefit awards for those with MND, are also included.
June 2018

Autumn Budget 2017: Briefing option papers on Universal Credit
The briefing papers were created with feedback from practioners and analysis by Policy in Practice. The options in the papers were discussed with DWP and offer a range of suggestions that would ease the transition for the seven million households who will be receiving Universal Credit in the coming years.
November 2017
Options to reduce the 6 week wait
More options to improve Universal Credit

Universal Credit: Towards an effective poverty reduction strategy
This comprehensive review of Universal Credit finds that Universal Credit will help to reduce poverty through more money in people’s ‘pockets’ and improved ‘prospects’ upon entering work. The report recommends short, medium and long term reforms to Universal Credit to make the policy truly transformative. It was written by Deven Ghelani and Lisa Stidle and supported by the JRF.
June 2014
Universal Credit Managed Migration: What does it mean for local authorities, advice agencies and housing providers?
Universal Credit managed migration rollout is escalating. We explore how insights from data can help organisations support people
Help for homeowners: Support for Mortgage Interest and other options
Support for Mortgage Interest is a benefit for low income homeowners. With very low take up rates and rising interest rates how helpful is it?
How new extra support for childcare will help families on Universal Credit
Families on Universal Credit can claim back more of the cost of childcare from Wednesday 28 June but we ask if the policy goes far enough
Cross-party event marks 10 years of Universal Credit at the House of Lords
Ministers joined practitioners to discuss Universal Credit at 10 in an event hosted by Policy in Practice and the CSJ at the House of Lords
Is a social tariff the best solution to high energy prices?
From July 2023 the Ofgem price cap will be £2,074. This blog lists the best way to provide households with support for energy bills
New analysis: Missing out: £19 billion of support goes unclaimed each year
New analysis from Policy in Practice finds that 21 million families are missing out on £19 billion of unclaimed benefits
New report: Putting the ‘Universal’ in Universal Credit
Putting the ‘Universal’ in Universal Credit finds that broken housing and childcare markets mean more families can access Universal Credit
Universal Credit’s managed migration discovery phase: lessons and opportunities
We look at DWPs Universal Credit managed migration discovery phase report and outline lessons and opportunities for wider rollout
Universal Credit allows for uprating benefits in-year. The government should take advantage
Uprating benefits can be done using the inherent flexibility of Universal Credit. It should be used to ensure benefits keep up with prices