The feasibility of conducting a Universal Credit panel survey

Summary

As part of the Universal Credit evaluation strategy a panel study has been proposed. This study would allow the Department for Work and Pensions to monitor the impact of Universal Credit on the same group of people over a period of time. From this it would be possible to identify:

Changes in behaviour and attitudes to work, work search, benefits and money management;

Whether policies to smooth the transition to work are having the required effect;

Whether individuals understand the benefit system and their behaviour in response to Universal Credit conditionality.

A feasibility study was considered to be necessary before commissioning such a study because panel studies are complex and potentially resource intensive.