DWP accused of attempting to hide failings on universal credit reform

Parliament's public spending watchdog has accused the Department of Work and Pensions of hiding failings of the government's universal credit reform in a report published today. 

 

The Committee of Public Affairs, chaired by Margaret Hodge MP, has claimed the move to create a new category to “reset” the  £2.4bn reform project could have been a way to avoid investigation into its handling. 

 

“We are particularly concerned that the decision to award a ‘reset’ rating to the universal credit project may have been an attempt to keep information secret and prevent scrutiny,” Hodge said. 

 

The concern was raised as part of a review of the government's major projects authority, which is overseeing the delivery of the universal credit scheme amongst £488bn-worth of initiatives – an increase of £134bn on last year , which Hodge described as “a considerable and rising cost to the taxpayer”. Other projects include the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier programme.

 

She called for greater transparency across the authority, noting that it currently has only “informal influence over departments”.  

 

“There is no obligation on the Treasury to follow its recommendations,” Hodge added. “It has no powers if a department decides to proceed with a project against MPA advice.”

 

"It needs to have stronger, more formal mechanisms for driving change, and there should be transparency where ministers or officials have rejected its recommendations.

 

"There remain serious weaknesses in government’s project delivery capability.”

 

The CPA called for the Treasury to take formal responsibility for overseeing the portfolio of projects.