Social media account quoted by Neil Couling as being supportive of Universal Credit.

Dear Department for Work and Pensions,

On the 3rd of August 2018 the Twitter account for @NeilCouling stated

“Nice end to the week. UC claimant on work experience in jobcentre tells whole of DWP, UC is better than JSA, feels more customer-friendly, giving people responsibility for their money means work less of a culture-shock, that change is inevitable but this one is welcome.”

We asked Mr. Couling and 74 JCP accounts on Twitter which JCP this took place in. He repeatedly declined to answer and we have not received 1 response from JCP.

On the 8th of August he stated that the above event did not take place at a JCP but was on social media. He stated that it

“Wasn’t from a jobcentre visit, which perhaps explains why jobcentres haven’t responded”.

This was then further clarified when asked where it actually took place. He stated

“Sure, social media”.

We have asked Mr. Couling which social media account. He has declined to offer any response. Consequently, GMWRAG would therefore like to ask DWP and Mr. Couling some specific questions.

1) Please direct us to the specific social media account and the specific item where said account addresses the “whole of DWP”.

2) Please explain why 74 JCP Twitter accounts failed to offer any response to the question?

In answering both of the above please refer to https://www.gov.uk/government/publicatio... and in particular the need to

“check the accuracy and sensitivity of what you are posting before pressing submit”.

Please also refer to https://www.gov.uk/government/publicatio... and in particular the phrases

“honesty’ is being truthful and open” and “You must: set out the facts and relevant issues truthfully, and correct any errors as soon as possible”

“deal with the public and their affairs fairly, efficiently, promptly, effectively and sensitively, to the best of your ability”

“You must not: deceive or knowingly mislead ministers, Parliament or others”

“You must: provide information and advice, including advice to ministers, on the basis of the evidence, and accurately present the options and facts”

We look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,

GMWRAG