UNIVERSAL CREDIT 53 WEEK YEAR 2019-20

That this House expresses concern that many universal credit claimants will be left without payment for one week's rent in 2019-20 due to that benefit only being paid for 52 weeks; further notes that this will affect universal credit tenants in social housing approximately every six years who are paid in 12 monthly payments totalling 52 weeks; notes the effect that will have on thousands of tenants who claim universal credit as they will be left with a week's rent which they will have to make up themselves; notes the Department for Work and Pensions' survey that found that one third of tenants receiving universal credit payments towards their housing costs are in arrears; expresses concern on the increase in evictions; and calls on the Government to improve the flexibility of universal credit and calculate universal credit housing support payments for tenants to prevent any further increase in rent arrears and the pressure that places on tenants and social landlords.