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Urgent Commons debate
An urgent Commons debate on pausing Universal Credit roll-out has been granted to Shadow Work & Pensions Secretary Debbie Abrahams ...
... scheduled for three hours tomorrow ...
Here’s the Hansard link to the application for the emergency debate
Blimey ... reports that “David Gauke refuses to come 2day to HoC to explain his flagship Universal Credit Policy in emergency debate”
listening to the debate -
usual points about waiting period
rent arrears
debt
private landlords not wanting to take UC claimants
inpact on self-employed
cuts to the work allowance / SDP etc.
(and the f/t student issue got mentioned)
But not touching on some of the wider, longer term and fundemental policy and implementation issues.
There is still time!
I liked the way that the 9-year scheduled timescale for roll-out is now presented by government as being a sign of strength and progress.
Interestingly, Andrea Leadsom (Leader of the House) has issued a written statement advising that the government has 12 weeks to respond to a resolution of the House following an Opposition Day debate -
As I have made clear, this Government is determined to listen and take account of views from all sides of the House. Where there is opportunity for the Government to listen and better enable the effective work of Parliament, we will do so.
To that end, I am today updating the House on the Government’s approach to Opposition Day Debates. Where a motion tabled by an opposition party has been approved by the House, the relevant Minister will respond to the resolution of the House by making a statement no more than 12 weeks after the debate. This is to allow thoughtful consideration of the points that have been raised, facilitate collective discussion across Government, especially on cross-cutting issues, and to outline any actions that have been taken.
This is in line with suggestions made by Members across the House and I hope colleagues will welcome the new initiative and the opportunity for accountability this provides.
Blimey ... reports that “David Gauke refuses to come 2day to HoC to explain his flagship Universal Credit Policy in emergency debate”
Will he be sanctioned for failing to engage?