Universal credit uplift

Early day motion 1385, tabled 20 January 2021 by Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party). Signed by 29 members.

That this House recognises the profound impact that the covid-19 pandemic has had on the economy and the labour market, forcing many to rely on welfare benefits to survive at this difficult time; notes the importance that the temporary uplift to universal credit of £20 per week has played in providing a lifeline for those struggling financially and registers its deep concern at plans to remove this vital support; further notes that the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has estimated that if this temporary uplift is withdrawn, it will remove over £1000 a year from 6 million households, reducing the incomes of the bottom fifth of the population by 7 per cent overnight; understands that this will leave many unable to afford basic necessities such as housing costs, food and heating; recognises that after a four year benefit freeze, as well as the numerous challenges posed by the universal credit system, such as the five-week wait before payments are made, have created huge pressure on the budgets of the most vulnerable, leaving many trapped in debt and despair; and calls on the Government to end the uncertainty faced by millions of households and ensure that this temporary uplift in universal credit is made permanent to avoid a financial cliff-edge for claimants at the end of March 2021 and to commit to a longer term strategy to tackle the shameful levels of poverty across the UK.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 20, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour 2, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.