Ahead of a vote in the House of Commons today (Wednesday 18
October), Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary has called on
Conservative MPs to support a motion to pause the roll out of the embattled
Universal Credit programme.
Labour’s call to support today’s motion follows reports that up to
25 Conservative MPs may be willing to rebel against the Government over their
flagship social security programme, as evidence continues to mount that it is
pushing people further into debt, rent arrears and even evictions. This will be
a major test of a key Government reform.
The Department for Work and Pensions’ own data shows that one in
four claimants are having to wait over six weeks to receive any funds, with
half of those in rent arrears reporting that they went into debt after claiming
Universal Credit.
Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary,
calling on Conservative MPs to support the motion, said:
“The Government has so far not listened to MPs’ concerns about the
mounting issues with their flagship social security programme. We must stand
together to make our voices heard.
“I urge Conservative MPs to vote with their conscience and support
our motion to pause the roll out of Universal Credit.
“The social security system is meant to protect people from debt
and arrears, not exacerbate their situation.
“We must pause and fix Universal Credit now, before millions are
made worse off.”
Follow this news feed: Labour