To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any engagement his Department has had with (i) universities; (ii) further education colleges; and (iii) student unions to understand the impact of Universal Credit on mature students.

My officials engage with the universities through the Universal Credit front line adviser’s forum which meet on a quarterly basis to provide the advice sector and the Universities with an opportunity to raise any student related concerns or issues they are experiencing.

Universal Credit also has an escalation route in place providing contact details that is regularly updated and shared with the Advice Sector, Law Centre and other organisations who form part of the Department’s Trusted Partner Forum.

Regional Managers engage on a monthly basis with colleges as part of the local council labour market partnerships and will readily provide information and answer any queries relating to concerns from all students, this includes mature students.