Stephen has spoken in the House of Commons about the cost of living, benefit levels and pension awareness.
On Monday 7 February, MPs debated social security and pensions. Stephen urged the Government to uprate benefits in line with the rapidly rising inflation rates and explained how households are struggling with the cost of living. He reminded the House that the Work and Pensions Select Committee, which he chairs, called on the Government to extend the temporary increase of £20 a week to Universal Credit for at least a year. This call was rejected.
During his speech, Stephen also spoke about the low rates of pension credit take-up - with six out of 10 of those entitled to pension credit actually claiming it.
Speaking in the chamber, Stephen said “I very much welcome the debate we have had this afternoon about what is the appropriate level for increasing benefits in this very difficult time. Like others, I would say to the Government: ‘you are going to have to go further’.”
You can watch Stephen’s full speech below.