On Wednesday 15 September, Labour MPs held a debate on Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits. Stephen spoke about the Government’s planned welfare cuts.
The reduction, due to take place on 6 October, will see 6 million families lose £20 a week. It will lower the level of support for an unemployed family to the smallest amount as a proportion of average earnings at any time since the Second World War. It will also impact the 40% of people claiming Universal Credit who are already in employment.
Speaking in the debate, Stephen drew upon evidence taken by the Work and Pensions Select Committee, which he chairs. The Committee had previously heard from a single father of two who said the cuts will force him to ask the question: “do I go hungry, do my kids go hungry, or do we keep the house warm?”
Speaking in the debate, Stephen said “somebody worrying about about how to buy their next meal is not going to be able to focus on finding a decent job. Taking £20 a week away will leave the level of support below the basic minimum that is needed.”
At the end of the debate, Labour put forward a motion calling on the Government to stop the cuts, which passed by 253 votes to 0. However, the vote is not legally binding.
You can watched Stephen’s full speech below.