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Reynolds MP calls for Universal Credit to be scrapped

Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds has called for Universal Credit to be scrapped.

Writing for the PoliticsHome website he said that the current social security measures were “inadequate” and that “children are paying the price.”

According to figures, 2.3 million people are currently receiving Universal Credit, but that figure is expected to rise thanks to the impact of the coronavirus. Tameside was one of the first areas to have the system rolled out

Reynolds MP, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary said: “The Government is attempting to paint Universal Credit as a success story because, unlike its test and trace scheme, the system didn’t collapse.

“The real story of Universal Credit during this crisis is a system which has led to a 61% increase in foodbank use. According to the Trussell Trust, that’s six parcels given out every minute. More households are now caught by the benefit cap than ever before, a 93% rise from February to May this year, with the overwhelming majority of these households home to children.  

"Unsurprisingly, this has led to horrifying levels of child poverty; 30% of children, or nine children in a classroom of 30, are living in poverty here in the UK. To claim this record as a success shows just how low the Government has set the bar for itself on social security.”

He went on to say the system was designed by people that would never have to use it themselves and calls it a “caricature of life on low income.”

He called on the government to implement five measures to help those affected: 

  • Convert advances of Universal Credit into grants instead of loans.
  • Remove the £16,000 savings limit which would disqualify someone from receiving Universal credit
  • Suspend the benefit cap
  • Abolish the two child limit in Universal Credit and Tax Credit
  • Uprate legacy benefits to match the increase in Universal Credit, providing an immediate increase in Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Support Allowance.

Reynolds MP says that these five measures would improve the living standards of those receiving the credit and would be a safety net for those who might soon find themselves out of work.

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