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PLANS for wider implementation of the much-criticised universal credit (UC) system of benefits are going ahead despite cross-party concerns that it will leave vulnerable claimants without money for weeks on end.
Labour has repeatedly warned that problems must be fixed before the plans go ahead this month. Twelve Tory MPs have also written to Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke highlighting the dangers.
Mr Gauke is expected to announce some minor tweaks to the scheme today, rather than unveiling any substantive reforms.
As a proportion of GDP the total welfare bill is lower than it was 15 years ago. The claim that it is spiralling out of control is mythmaking, argues DIANE ABBOTT
MPs back measure for 66-year-olds but it won't end suffering, groups say
DYLAN MURPHY reports that far from helping people back into work, the sanctions regime is inflicting unnecessary trauma on working-class families
A new report from the Citizens Advice destroys the government narrative about disabled people ‘choosing’ not to work, showing the £3,000 annual cuts will create a two-tiered system based on claim dates rather than needs, writes DYLAN MURPHY