Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Universal Credit: Effect of Child Element on Separated Parents — [Mrs Sheryll Murray in the Chair]

04 November 2020 · 0 other contributors · 4,118 words

Opened by Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield

Responding minister: Will Quince

Benefits & Welfare

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Toby Perkins raised concerns about universal credit: effect of child element on separated parents — [mrs sheryll murray in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the impact of the Universal Credit system on separated parents and their children, highlighting issues such as financial stress and disputes over child benefits.
  • The Minister is asked to clarify actions taken following the Social Security Advisory Committee report and whether a cross-departmental working group has been established.
  • The Minister is also asked if the Government will consider measures to support non-residential parents with more than one child to stay overnight without incurring financial penalties.

Key requests to Government

The Minister should clarify what actions have been taken following the Social Security Advisory Committee report and if a cross-departmental working group has been established. Furthermore, will the Government consider measures to support all non-residential parents with more than one child to stay overnight without incurring financial penalties?

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield

There is significant evidence that positive relationships with both parents are crucial for children's well-being. However, parental separation can lead to financial stress, mental health issues, and homelessness. The current system of child benefit eligibility often pits separated parents against each other in disputes over who receives benefits. This issue affects about 30,000 young non-resident parents according to the family resources survey.

Government Response

Will Quince

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Murray, on your first occasion in the Chair. I thank the hon. Member for Chesterfield (Mr Perkins) for securing a debate on this hugely important issue. The Minister outlines the principles of universal credit and asserts that families should manage their own affairs without state intervention. He mentions the injection of over £9.3 billion into the welfare system, including an increase to the standard allowance of up to £1,040. The current easement of the suspension of the minimum income floor in universal credit will be extended to April 2021. Regarding separated families and the child element payment, the Minister explains that it is paid to one parent based on who has main responsibility for the children or where the child normally lives. He notes there are no plans to change this arrangement but expresses willingness to meet with MPs to discuss further.

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