John Baron rejects Labour criticism of Universal Credit

MP: The Government has supported families throughout pandemic

Today the Opposition are using one of their non-binding opposition day debates to raise Universal Credit. The Government has so far implemented a £280 billion response to the coronavirus pandemic which has prioritised supporting the most vulnerable in our society – evidence shows that the Government has supported the poorest through this crisis.

As part of its response, the Government has included a temporary £6 billion increase to welfare support specifically to help low-income families. This includes increasing Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit by £1,000 for 12 months until the end of March 2021. Any further decisions will be announced, as normal, in the forthcoming Budget scheduled for 3rd March.

John said,

“Especially during this pandemic, the Government has a proud record of supporting vulnerable families and people not in work. Its £6 billion increase to the welfare safety net has included a £1,000 boost in the Universal Credit standard allowance and Working Tax Credit. This builds on the rise in the value of working age benefits which came into effect in April, benefitting about 2.5 million households. Councils have additionally been provided with an extra £170 million via the Covid Winter Grant Scheme to support families with the cost of food and bills, further to the additional £63 million councils received last year.”

“Meanwhile, Labour plan to scrap Universal Credit. This would cause a huge upheaval and uncertainty to the over five million people who rely on it. It is a shame Labour can not bring themselves to see the value of this flexible system which has performed well during this pandemic.”