Chester MP stands up for thousands of families in the city

The Labour Party have announced that they will be bringing a vote in Parliament to reverse the Government’s planned cut to Universal Credit, which could affect over 7,300 households in Chester.

At the start of the pandemic, the standard allowance of Universal Credit was increased by £20 per week, a measure which is set to be removed in five weeks’ time. This cut of over £1,000 a year will hit millions of families and is the biggest overnight cut to the social security system since World War II.

In Chester, the numbers affected will include over 4500 children.

The Government had originally planned to implement the cut in April 2021 but were forced to change course after Labour successfully won a vote in House of Commons in January.

Another vote is now being brought on the matter on Wednesday 8 September 2021.

Chris said: “Labour is the party of fairness; we will always stand up for those who work and those who can’t. Universal Credit provides a lifeline for working families, as well as sick and vulnerable people in our city. The money received does not end up in the bank, it is used by the recipient to buy food and pay bills which keeps our economy going at a time when we need to be creating jobs and supporting businesses.  The governments’ decision to cut this money is counterproductive for people and for our economy - it must be reversed.”

Concerns have been raised that making the cut at this time will push a further 500,0000 people into poverty.

Chris concluded: “The pandemic has been a very difficult time for all of us and for thousands of people it has been their first experience of the benefit system – they have needed it just to survive. The extra £20 a week has been a lifeline for so many and I will continue to work with colleagues across the House of Commons to ensure this crucial lifeline is not taken away’