The Work and Pensions Committee (WPC) has written to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), calling for more information on its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, committee chair, Stephen Timms, stated that whilst the WPC "welcomes many of the measures" already in place, more answers are still needed.

The committee has called upon the department to publish its response to a report recently published by Citizens Advice, outlining a number of recommendations as to what the government can do to support those impacted by the outbreak.

Following the suspension of medical examinations for those entitled to membership of the War Pension Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, Timms has also called for further details as to what “alternative arrangements” are being put in place.

WPC also queried what the department is doing to ensure people know what they are entitled to, what measures are in place to cope with further possible closures, and what support is available for those with no recourse to public funds.

Commenting on the letter, Timms said: “This is a worrying time for all of us, but it’s particularly tough for people on already low or precarious incomes.

“They’ll be concerned about how they can continue to support themselves and their families, and will be looking to the government for a strong safety net to help them through this unprecedented crisis.

“The DWP has already taken some welcome steps. But there is much more still to be done.”

The committee has requested a response by midday on Tuesday 24 March, in order to allow members time to read the update ahead of an evidence session scheduled for the following day.

This also follows clarification from The Pensions Regulator that all employers are expected to continue with their automatic enrolment duties throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

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