Universal credit simpler than the old complex welfare system

24th October 2017

Anne Main highlights cross-party recognition of the "mayhem" in the old welfare system and the benefits of rolling out universal credit. 

I am listening to the figures my hon. Friend mentions. Does she recall that the hon. Member for Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) said there was mayhem before universal credit was rolled out? I am puzzled by that, as this is a gradual process.

My hon. Friend raises an important point, which serves to show that there are some inconsistencies in the Opposition’s argument against universal credit.

The Government are doing a gradual roll-out, so that testing can take place, and they are then able to modify the implementation based on what is learned from the experience of the practical implementation of the scheme. As Ministers have made clear, claimants who cannot afford to wait can get advances up front. These payments are made straight away. The Opposition are irresponsibly scaremongering in an attempt to frighten existing and potential claimants, try to negatively portray the universal credit system as a bad thing, rather than talking about the benefits to the people of this country.

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