Universal Credit
Debate between Lord Sharma and Ellie Reeves(6 years, 1 month ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
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Alok Sharma
There is a new burdens policy in place, and the DWP has paid out to local councils. I believe that the figure for 2017-18 was around £13 million. If the hon. Gentleman forwards me the correspondence, I would be happy to look at it.
Ellie Reeves (Lewisham West and Penge) (Lab)
Last Wednesday marked World Mental Health Day. The Mental Health Nurses Association stated in its letter to the Secretary of State that universal credit
“will make matters much worse, especially for those living with mental ill health.”
Given the stress, uncertainty and poverty caused by universal credit, is it not time to scrap the roll-out?
Alok Sharma
My ministerial colleagues and I have regular discussions with key stakeholders, particularly those representing the most vulnerable. We will continue to do that, and we will work with them to ensure that the managed migration process delivers for the most vulnerable.