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Universal-credit architect Iain Duncan Smith
UNIVERSAL-credit architect Iain Duncan Smith admitted today that the five-week-wait policy was not his plan and that he “did not want it” – but does not think it should be changed.
The former work and pensions secretary was grilled by MPs on the delay in payments, one of the most damaging elements of the scheme that has been a major driver in foodbank use.
He said that the five-week wait was “never originally part of the structural plan” of universal credit, which he devised in 2010, as he answered questions from the work and pensions committee.
Labour will find increases in the state pension age are unacceptable, just as cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, personal independence payments and universal credit are — it needs to change direction immediately, writes PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE
