Labour motion calling for pause to Universal Credit unanimously approved by the House of Commons – Debbie Abrahams

Debbie
Abrahams MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding after
the House of Commons unanimously approved Labour’s Opposition Day motion
calling for a pause to Universal Credit Full Service said:

“It
is welcome that the House of Commons has supported Labour’s call for a pause to
Universal Credit. As I called for immediately following the vote, the
Government must now act on the clear instruction of Parliament, by bringing
forward plans to pause and fix Universal Credit Full Service, before millions
are pushed closer to poverty.

“MPs
from all parties recognised that, while it is positive that the Government has
listened to Labour on the high cost of its helplines, this doesn’t go far
enough.

“There
remain very serious issues with the Government’s flagship programme, not least
the six week wait for payment following a claim. These are driving debt,
arrears and even evictions.”