Bolton West MP Chris Green has welcomed today’s Budget announcement on Universal Credit reforms.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has announced that, as part of a £1.5 billion package, the government is scrapping the seven day waiting period, meaning that entitlement for the benefit will start on the day of the claim – taking the wait for the first payment down from six weeks to five weeks. The waiting period has existed for 100 years and is now being abolished.
Newly announced reforms will also mean that anyone needing an advance can access a full month’s payment within five days of applying.
The MP, who is a member of the influential Work and Pensions Select Committee, has campaigned for the reform, challenging the Secretary of State (video available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuZ5SXjz4cA), speaking in Parliament and meeting with Ministers to lobby for the change.
Chris said: “I am very pleased that the government has listened to my recommendations and made these important changes, particularly reducing the six week wait for payment.
“The principle of Universal Credit is a very good one – ensuring that we have a welfare state that will protect the most vulnerable in our society, but also making sure that those who can work do so.
“Results suggest so far that those on Universal Credit are more likely to find work within six months, work more hours and more than if they were on the old benefits system. This new reform will improve the system further.”
Universal Credit is the government’s flagship benefits programme which updates the old complicated system by merging six payments from three different organisations into one. It is aimed at preparing people for the world of work and ensuring that having a job always pays.