MP blasts Universal Credit cut plan by UK Government
HOUSEHOLDS in Cynon Valley could have their incomes hit by more than £1,000 a year after Conservative MPs refused to vote with Labour to stop Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak’s planned cut to Universal Credit.
Labour forced a crunch vote in the House of Commons to scrap the cut and support incomes during the pandemic.
All but six Conservative MPs failed to support Labour’s motion to give people certainty and stop the cut, which is equivalent to the cost of an average family’s annual electricity, gas and internet bills combined.
MP for the Cynon Valley Beth Winter condemned the decision and called for local residents to join her advisory group on welfare reform.
She said: “This temporary £20 uplift in Universal Credit has been a lifeline to millions of households, with nearly seven thousand people in Cynon Valley in receipt of Universal Credit.
“It is unthinkable that Conservative MPs are pulling away support from people in Cynon Valley in the midst of an economic crisis.
“Instead of cutting the uplift, UK Government should extend it to all those on legacy benefits who have received no extra support throughout the pandemic.
“Welfare reform is a priority for me, and I have established a Welfare Reform Advisory Group in Cynon Valley.
“The group has already campaigned locally on the uptake of Pension Credit.”
If you live or work in the Cynon Valley and would like to get involved, please get in touch by emailing: beth.winter.mp@parliament.uk or call 01685 243 166.