Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Universal Credit: Removal of Uplift 2021-09-13 (3)

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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ruth Jones asked the Minister about discussions with the Welsh Government on the impact of ending the 20 uplift to universal credit.
  • The Minister responded that the relationship between the Department and the Welsh Government is well-established, but universal credit is a reserved policy for the UK Government.
  • Ruth Jones mentioned that the cuts will affect about 9,000 families, including nearly 6,000 children, and stated she would continue to fight against the cuts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Wales Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question concerns the impact on people in Newport West constituency due to the cessation of the £20 uplift to the standard allowance of universal credit.

Question

What discussions has she had with the Welsh Government on the impact of ending the £20 uplift to the standard allowance of universal credit on people in Newport West constituency?

Answer from Will Quince

There is a well-established working relationship between my Department and the Welsh Government, ensuring we work together on devolved and reserved areas effectively. However, universal credit is a policy reserved to the UK Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request about discussions with the Welsh Government was not directly addressed; instead, the answer focused on the policy being reserved to the UK government.

How: Universal Credit Is A Policy Reserved To The Uk Government

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Benefits & Welfare
Context

In Newport West, the end of the £20 uplift to universal credit affects about 9,000 families including almost 6,000 children.

Question

These cruel cuts to universal credit will hit about 9,000 families, including almost 6,000 children. That is unforgiveable and I will keep fighting these Tory cuts to universal credit. In a written parliamentary question to the Secretary of State, I asked whether she would meet me to address the impact of the cuts on the people of Newport West. The Minister replied to me but ignored my request to meet, so let us try again. Will the Minister please meet me to discuss the impact the cuts will have on the people of Newport West?

Answer from Will Quince

We have always been clear: the uplift for universal credit was a temporary measure responding to the extraordinary circumstances. Our focus now is rightly on our plan for jobs, with tailored programmes to build skills, move towards employment, increase hours, get back into work or climb the career ladder, because we know that work is the best route to a brighter future.

Not addressed: The specific request for a meeting was ignored and replaced with statements about jobs programmes.

How: Our Focus Now Is Rightly On Our Plan For Jobs, We Have Always Been Clear

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)