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Universal Credit: Farmers
24 April 2024
Lead MP
Wendy Chamberlain
North East Fife
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Jo Churchill
Tags
NHSBenefits & WelfareAgriculture & Rural AffairsMental Health
Word Count: 4329
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about universal credit: farmers in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should review the impact assessment on universal credit rollout to farmers and consider reforms that reflect farming realities such as variable income averaging over multiple years, without administrative burdens or assumptions about minimum incomes.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Farmers are struggling due to the transition from tax credits to universal credit, which is occurring during peak farming months like lambing season. The system does not account for variable and averaged incomes, forcing farmers to miss critical work due to administrative requirements. Some farmers are experiencing severe financial distress, including loss of benefits at crucial times, leading to food insecurity and mental health issues.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Sheep farmers have income from selling sheep, basic payments, and less favoured area support scheme, but this income is spread throughout the year, making it difficult to fit into a monthly universal credit system. The difficulty is that even at the end of the transitional period for Universal Credit, there will still be self-employed farmers with income coming in significant sums but at small points in the year. This means no fundamental change to the business model.
Iain Stewart
Con
Milton Keynes South
Acknowledged the concerns raised by Wendy Chamberlain and highlighted the importance of a smooth transition to universal credit for farmers. Mentioned the need for clear communication from the Government to address issues faced by farmers.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Farmers may experience three months of income followed by nine months of hardship, making the monthly system inappropriate for their seasonal work. The universal credit system might discourage farming and affect food security.
Government Response
Jo Churchill
Government Response
It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Mrs Murray. Before I respond, I would like to pay tribute to Lord Field... I strongly encourage people to engage with the migration notice so that they can access the support and income protection as we make the move to universal credit.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.