Universal Credit is causing misery and hardship wherever it is rolled out. Today Labour confirmed that when in Government they will scrap it and replace it with a social security system dedicated to dignity, universalism and ending poverty.
The party has announced they will implement an emergency package of reforms to mitigate some of the worst features of UC while they develop a replacement system.
The plan will also lift up to 300,000 children out of poverty by scrapping the two child limit and benefit cap. It will reduce hardship by ending the five week wait, introducing fortnightly payments, suspending sanctions and ending the digital only approach. The party will also protect women by making split payments the default and reduce homelessness by paying the housing element direct to landlords.
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“Universal Credit is a vehicle for cuts and is causing severe hardship wherever it has been rolled out across our country.
Our social security system has lost its way; we need to rebuild it up from the principles on which it was founded – supporting people rather than policing them, alleviating poverty rather than driving people into it.
Social security should lift people out of poverty but Universal Credit is leaving people in debt and rent arrears, and forcing people to turn to food banks to survive.
Despite mounting evidence of its failure, the Tories are pressing ahead with the roll-out, rather than scrapping and replacing it. I’m pleased Labour has said when in Government that is what they will do”.
The city MP has been listening to views and concerns over the future of social security, visited the local job centre, met with charities which support people on benefits and hosted a consultation to hear people’s views.
Today Labour has announced they will:
- Change the culture of the DWP so that treats people with dignity and respect, and supports them in finding work and accessing the benefits they are entitled to instead of punishing and policing people.
- This cultural change will take time but we will start on day one by replacing the DWP with a Department for Social Security.
- Scrap UC and develop a new social security system.
