Yesterday, in DWP Questions in the House of Commons Chamber, Stephen pressed Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince if he would look at significantly shortening the five-week delay in the first Universal Credit payment, which is causing such harm to claimants.
Stephen commented afterwards: ‘A report from the Trussell Trust recently found that Universal Credit (UC) claimants are two and half times more likely to need a foodbank compared to those on legacy benefits. This is largely due to the punitive five-week wait for the first UC payment. I look forward to discussing some solutions and alternatives with the Minister.’