DWP CHRISTMAS BONUS

Early day motion 1912, tabled 10 December 2018 by Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party). Signed by 24 members.

This House notes with concern that the Department for Work and Pensions Christmas bonus paid to benefit claimants has not been up-rated since it was introduced in 1972 and remains at £10; further notes recent reports that the bonus is being discontinued under universal credit; highlights that, according to the House of Commons library, £10 cash paid in December 2018 is worth 78 pence in December 1972 prices, and therefore the value of the Christmas bonus has declined by 92 percent since 1972 in RPI-adjusted terms; believes that the payment has already been made to claimants; further notes that Christmas is a particularly expensive time of year for families on low incomes; and calls on the Government to up-rate and reinstate the Christmas bonus for claimants of universal credit and the legacy system as soon as possible before 25 December 2018.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 8, Labour 7, DUP 2, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Green 1, Independent 1.