Debbie Abrahams MP secures vote on Universal Credit roll out

Debbie Abrahams MP secures vote on Universal Credit roll out

Local Labour MP Debbie Abrahams has secured a vote on the Government’s plan to continue the roll out of Universal Credit Full Service.

This follows criticism of the Government’s decision to persevere with the roll out of Universal Credit, which has been shown to be driving debt and arrears among low income families.

The Department of Work and Pensions’ own data shows that one in four new claims are not being paid in full in six weeks, with half of those in rent arrears reporting that they went into debt after claiming Universal Credit.

Concerns have also been expressed regarding the high cost of calls to the programme’s helpline, with some callers paying as much as 55p a minute.

This vote will be a key test of the Government’s flagship welfare reform policy. At least twenty five MPs from the Conservative Party are believed to back Labour’s call for a pause to roll out, more than the Prime Minister’s working majority of thirteen.

Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the announcement, said: “The Government is ignoring its own evidence, and the concerns of its MPs to push ahead with their flawed Universal Credit programme.

“The social security system should work to prevent people from getting into debt, not to exacerbate it.

“The numerous problems with Universal Credit are not just administrative; the delays and cuts made by this Government to the programme are all contributing to claimant debt. We will work with them to tackle these issues.

“The Government must pause and fix the programme before the roll out can cause further harm to those struggling to get by.”