On Wednesday 18th October I voted to pause the introduction of Universal Credit until serious problems with the new benefits system are fixed. One in four new claimants on the programme are not receiving their first payment within the six week deadline, meaning thousands of families are being driven into debt and face eviction. It was disgraceful that Conservative MPs did not even vote on the motion, despite the huge damage Universal Credit is causing to people’s lives. I will carry on fighting to make sure the system is fixed and claimants receive the support they need.
