Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Universal Credit: Removal of Uplift 2021-09-13 (2)

Monday 13 September 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • It is not possible to produce a robust estimate of the impact of removing the 20 uplift on poverty due to economic uncertainty.
  • The extra 20 a week for universal credit recipients means they no longer have to choose between essential needs like food and hygiene.
  • The Government has not indicated any intention to cut the temporary uplift to universal credit.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mick Whitley
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises in the context of ongoing debates about the economic and social impact of reducing benefits. The specific concern is how eliminating an additional £20 per week affects individuals' ability to meet basic needs.

Question

What assessment has been made of the impact on levels of poverty of ending the £20 uplift to the standard allowance of universal credit?

Answer from Will Quince

It is not possible to produce a robust estimate of the impact of removing the £20 uplift on poverty. That is particularly the case at the moment, given the uncertainty around the speed of the economic recovery and how it will be distributed across the population.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges uncertainty but does not provide a specific estimate or analysis as requested.

How: Uncertainty, Lack Of Robust Data

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Q2 Mick Whitley
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The supplementary question highlights the personal impact on individuals such as Jess in Birkenhead, who relies on the £20 weekly increase to cover basic needs like food and hygiene.

Question

Cutting universal credit will cause misery for millions of people, including my constituent in Birkenhead, Jess. The extra £20 a week means she no longer has to choose between a hot meal and a hot shower. On Wednesday, Unite the Union and Community members who rely on the uplift will be visiting Parliament. Will the Secretary of State commit to meet them so she can hear for herself why the Government must cancel the cut?

Answer from Will Quince

There is no financial saving from the measure and as a result, the temporary uplift will continue as planned. The Government has not indicated any intention to cut this benefit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not commit to meeting constituents or addressing their specific concerns about the impact of the £20 uplift reduction.

How: No Financial Saving, Temporary Nature

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