Commentary on Sections Part 1: Universal credit Section 9: Standard allowance
52.Section 9 provides for universal credit to include a standard allowance which will provide an amount for basic living costs. Essentially, the standard allowance for universal credit is intended to mirror the comparable standard rates currently in JSA and ESA.
53.Subsection (3) allows for circumstances where an award will not include a standard allowance. For example, a standard allowance will not be included for prisoners on remand (but an amount in respect of housing costs could be included in an award for such a claimant).
54.The first regulations made under subsections (2) (amount of standard allowance) and (3) (exceptions) will be subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.