Oral Answers to Questions

Stuart C McDonald Excerpts

Wednesday 13th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North) (Lab)]

1. What progress is being made on the roll-out of universal credit in Wales.

[Stuart C. McDonald (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) (SNP)]

5. What progress has been made on the roll-out of universal credit in Wales.

[Mr Paul Sweeney (Glasgow North East) (Lab/Co-op)]

8. What progress is being made on the roll-out of universal credit in Wales.

--- Later in debate ---

[Stuart Andrew]

I obviously cannot comment on the individual case, but I am sorry that the hon. Lady’s constituent was in that position. We have tried to do everything we can to ensure that the roll-out has been as smooth and as slow as possible, and where we have had issues such as those that she raised, we have made changes. That is why my right hon. Friend the Chancellor made the announcement in the Budget about the changes—we want to deal with the housing issues that she raises.

[Stuart C. McDonald]

The IPPR, Shelter Cymru, the National Assembly’s Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee, the Bevan Foundation and the Trussell Trust all argue that Wales should have the same powers that the Scottish Government have been using so effectively to mitigate this Government’s horrendous social security cuts. Why will the Conservative Government here and the Labour Government in Cardiff not make it happen?

[Stuart Andrew]

My understanding is that there has never really been consensus on devolving this to Wales. I also point out that the Scottish Government have many of these powers and are yet to use them.