Universal Credit Meeting

​MPs met with the Trussell Trust, CAB and others today to discuss the awful impact of the ongoing roll-out of the new Universal Credit benefit, and to hear how it urgently needs reformed.

Next week, my colleague Dr Philippa Whitford will be seeking to introduce a 10 minute rule bill making the case for key changes before the UK government decides to carry on rolling the benefit out across the UK, including:
– scrapping the 7 day wait before someone can apply
– ensuring applications take no more than one month
– reducing the burden of advance payment repayments.
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It would also see changes introduced by the SNP Scottish Government replicated elsewhere, such as the ability to receive bi-monthly payments, and more options for direct payment to landlords.
All of these measures would be really helpful for constituents suffering because of Universal Credit issues.