In my last column, we were gearing up for the first Budget since the General Election back in June and I was hoping that we would see some changes to the Universal Credit system. I’m please to say that the Chancellor listened.
For those that don’t know, 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. Whilst the system has been widely welcomed, there have been some problems with it – including claimants having to wait six weeks for their first payment.
This, however, is now coming to an end.
Under a £1.5 billion package, announced by Philip Hammond, 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.
This may not sound very revolutionary to some people, but this waiting period has existed for 100 years and it is now being abolished. It will have a big impact on people’s lives.
Under further newly announced reforms, anyone needing an advance will also be able to access a full month’s payment within five days of applying, or same day where necessary.
A few weeks ago, as part of my work as a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, we challenged the Secretary of State on this very issue. I’ve also spoken in Parliament and met with Ministers to lobby for the change.
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.
With the festive season now well and truly upon us, local businesses right across Atherton, Leigh and the North West will be gearing up for what is their busiest time of the year.
This Saturday we celebrated Small Business Saturday, a chance for all of us to get out and support our local high streets and say thank you to the work they put in to keep the heart of our community such a vibrant place to be.
I may be biased, but Atherton has a lovely little high street with bags of character and you can get pretty much anything you could ever want there. We have a great selection of shops and cafes (I know I shouldn’t pick favourites, but you’ll often find me in Snug when I’m back up from Westminster on a Friday).
Atherton has for years felt neglected at the expense of its bigger neighbours in terms of investment and attention from the local authorities. We are hoping that there will be a shift in this soon. I’m supporting a campaign by Atherton Residents Association that could see our town centre regenerated and ensure that we get the funding we deserve. If you head over to their Facebook page, you’ll be able to find out more about their campaign and there is also a petition which you can sign.
Whilst I’m proud that we have such a world class city in Manchester on our doorsteps, we mustn’t forget the cafes, hairdressers, butchers and bakers on our high streets in places like Atherton.
Small Business Saturday is about reminding us to visit and explore our high streets because there are always new things to find and discover.