Further written evidence to be reported to the House
Health and Social Care Bill
12:00 pm
Rosemary Dodds: I think that in order to reach all pregnant women who are in need, a universal benefit has a lot of advantages in itself, but there are advantages in supporting all women who are pregnant, whatever their income, because of the redistribution impact that I mentioned earlier and because this method of payment reaches many more of the poorest women. Universal benefits are well known to be administratively easier, both for those who are giving the money out and also for claimants, so that they are always clear that they are entitled and almost always apply. There is a very high take-up rate and therefore it is a very effective way of reaching people. As I mentioned in my submission, the End Child Poverty Coalition is very supportive of this move to increase universal benefits.