Government faces Tory rebellion over Universal Credit roll-out
2 min read
More than 25 Tory MPs are prepared to vote against the Government on controversial welfare reforms, it has been reported.
According to the Telegraph, backbenchers are threatening to block the roll-out of Universal Credit amid concerns over its impact on claimants.
It will be a major test for Theresa May’s slim working majority if Labour chooses to force a Commons vote on the issue.
The scheme has faced criticism after claims that it is forcing people into rent arrears and homelessness, including from former Conservative Prime Minister John Major.
Speaking over the weekend, he called the system "operationally messy, socially unfair and unforgiving".
In an attempt to appease rebel MPs, Work and Pension Secretary David Gauke insisted last week that a system of advance payments was already in place to help those struggling when the changes come into force.
However, Tory backbencher Heidi Allen told the Telegraph: "I have always maintained Universal Credit will be the single biggest positive transformation of the benefits system for generations.
"However I still believe we must reduce the speed of roll out until we have a system that reliably pays claimants on time and the IT is operating fully. We should also use this time to review whether the six week waiting period works for vulnerable people.
"I welcome the SOS's announcement that advance payments will be made more readily available, but surely if the majority of claimants need them, then that must mean the inbuilt six week wait isn't compatible with helping those just out managing to make ends meet?
"To be successful, this revolutionary welfare system must support people's lives, not work against them."
A DWP spokesman said: “The best way to help people pay their rent is to help them into work. Under Universal Credit people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system.
“We know that over time people adjust to managing monthly payments and clear any rent arrears. But, in situations where it is necessary, we make arrangements for their rent to paid directly to landlords.
"Moreover, we've made it easier for claimants to get an advance payment upfront if they cannot wait for their first Universal Credit payment. We can then pay out an advance in five working day or the same day if someone is in urgent need.”
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