Questions the Minister about the cross-party Select Committee on Work and Pensions report which calls for extending the universal credit payment, asking if Conservative colleagues are scaremongering when discussing potential damage from not continuing it past April.

Inquires about the Minister's view on whether Members of this House are legitimate in drawing attention to the Government's policy of reducing universal credit by £20 a week from April, given that it is currently the stance.

The Member highlighted the government's decision to increase working-age benefits, disability support, and the state pension while criticising previous benefit freezes. She emphasised concerns over the £20 cut to Universal Credit from April, citing increased costs for families due to lockdowns and economic recovery needs. Malhotra also criticised the lack of extension to legacy benefits and the continuation of the benefits cap.

Gale thanked DWP staff for their efforts during the pandemic, acknowledging an increase in benefit claimants. He supported the temporary £20 uplift on Universal Credit but argued for its extension beyond April 2021 due to ongoing financial difficulties caused by the pandemic.

Paid tribute to his predecessor and acknowledged disagreements with the UK Government on policy but not on praising DWP staff. Criticised Tory cuts to social security spending, citing examples such as the two-child limit and benefit cap. Emphasised that Scotland should not have to wait for the UK Government's help during the pandemic, highlighting research by Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Trussell Trust showing increased destitution and food insecurity. Called for permanent £20 uplift to universal credit and extension to legacy benefits. Criticised lack of action from the Government on a strategic level.

Supported his colleague's argument, highlighting that many families are experiencing the transition to universal credit for the first time during the pandemic and will face severe difficulties if the £20 uplift is removed. Suggested this would increase long-term costs to society.

This order is an annual routine, but this year it aims to dramatically cut the universal credit standard allowance. Since March last year, the number of people claiming universal credit has more or less doubled due to the ongoing global pandemic; from 2016-2020, around half of benefit claimants had their incomes frozen. The House of Commons Library estimates that social security spending will be £37 billion lower in real terms since 2010, and a temporary increase of £20 per week for those on universal credit and working tax credit costs about one sixth of the total cut—a mere 3% of overall pandemic support. People fear losing this £20 weekly increase; many organisations and former Secretaries of State argue that it should be extended by at least another year. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation warns that cutting the benefit will push half a million more people, including 200,000 children, into poverty. Disabled individuals often face additional costs during the pandemic but have received no extra support, contrary to the Chancellor's initial promise in March 2020 for over 4 million vulnerable households. Unpaid carers also bear significant burdens; carer’s allowance is set to rise by only 35p per week under this order while other benefits are being frozen or cut. It is essential that social security systems maintain the £20 a week increase in universal credit and ensure legacy benefit claimants receive additional help.

The social security system's inadequacy has led to millions living in poverty, with cuts since 2010 amounting to £37 billion. Children are growing up in poverty which affects their cognitive development and life expectancy. The Government’s response is inadequate; they claim levelling up without addressing reasonable proposals for improving the situation, such as preventing future deaths like that of Philippa Day who died due to system failures. There must be an independent inquiry into these deaths.

The number of universal credit claimants has doubled while job vacancies remain below pre-pandemic levels, suggesting a poor moment for benefit reductions. A survey shows one in five people fear needing food banks if the £20 per week uplift is removed; nearly 250,000 parents are concerned about feeding their children without it. The Work and Pensions Committee calls for maintaining this uplift at least until next year due to its impact on those buying essential items. While costs may be around £6.4 billion, this should not overshadow the £280 billion spent on coronavirus support measures. However, the uplift did not extend to legacy benefits excluding many carers and disabled individuals.

The speaker expressed disappointment over the decisions taken regarding social security benefits and pensions uprating, particularly criticising the plan to remove the £20 a week universal credit uplift. She highlighted the uncertainty for millions of families due to the lack of clarity from the Government on what will happen post-April 2022. Chamberlain emphasised the moral and economic implications of removing this uplift, noting its importance in supporting the economy through increased spending by beneficiaries. Furthermore, she called upon the government to permanently extend or at least prolong the universal credit uplift due to ongoing hardships for many claimants. She also advocated for an uplift in legacy benefits, stressing the need for fairness across different welfare categories. Chamberlain welcomed the work of the all-party parliamentary group on poverty and its recommendations regarding pensioners missing out on £88 million annually from the warm home discount. Lastly, she raised concerns about frozen pensions for overseas pensioners and urged the government to address this issue by engaging in reciprocal agreements with other countries such as Canada.

Expressed concerns about the £4.40 per week increase in state pension, suggesting it barely covers the BBC TV licence fee and questioned whether free licences for those over 70 should be considered. He also raised issues regarding small uplifts in benefits under article 16, stating they do not factor in cost of living increases adequately. Concerned about Northern Ireland protocol affecting product prices more than benefit increases. Questioned rationale behind maternity pay uplift of 77p and its impact on families. Mentioned the increase in poverty due to the pandemic and highlighted the need for clearer rationale regarding how benefits are considered and agreed upon.

Responded by stating that the Chancellor has been clear about considering all options for future support based on economic and health assessments. Emphasised that the Government introduced the £20-per-week uplift to universal credit and continues to support those in need. Referred to extensive welfare spending, noting it amounts to more than £100 billion annually. Addressed concerns about legacy benefits by highlighting the generosity of the current system compared to previous ones. Stressed the importance of universal credit for supporting people into work and refuted claims that it should be scrapped. Announced benefit increases in line with inflation and commended the order to the House.

Announced a three-minute suspension of the House to prepare for the next item of business.