Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on reports that the Government is planning to climb-down on the waiting time for Universal Credit payments, said:

“The Government is reportedly planning to reduce the six week wait for Universal Credit payments. I hope they have now listened to Labour’s repeated calls to significantly reduce the waiting time, which has driven many into debt, arrears and evictions.

“Much more needs to be done. The Government must confirm that alternative payment arrangements will be offered to all recipients, including fortnightly payments, and bring forward plans to restore the principle that work always pays under the programme.

“A pause to the programme’s roll out would ensure that it does not push people into poverty and deprivation until these issues are fixed.”