This week in Westminster

'PARLIAMENTARY business in Westminster is increasingly dominated by three things – Universal Credit, Low Pay and Brexit.  But no matter which one you choose, the conclusion is the same. This is a Tory Government in chaos and completely out of touch with the real lives of working people.  

Universal Credit

This week Labour secured a debate on the roll-out of Universal Credit, due to start in Fife in December. Before the debate even started, the Tories had already climbed down over the outrageous 55p per minute call charge to the DWP helpline.  But despite evidence from Citizens Advice, Gingerbread and other external bodies, the Government refuse to pause the roll-out.  The main issue is the minimum six week gap before any payment is made – advance payments are only loans that must be repaid which adds to the cycle of debt while providing claimants with just a proportion of their overall claim.  Evidence shows that rent arrears are increasing.  Evictions have gone up. Foodbank use has gone up.  With rebellion evident in their own ranks, the Tories followed their now customary practice of "walking away" from the vote.  This is a Government devoid of leadership, compassion or mandate and the longer they remain in power the poorer our society will be. 

Low pay

A report published this week by the Resolution Foundation, “The Great Escape? Low pay and progression in the UK’s labour market” showed that despite the Tory claims that more people are in work, the sad reality behind this is that real wages today are no higher than they were in 2006 – and that most people in work are worse off. The publication of the Financial Services Conduct Authority household survey this week also shows 50% of the UK population are financially vulnerable and 1 in 6 people would be unable to cope with a £50 increase in monthly bills. Interest rates are also expected to rise. What this tells us is that things are most definitely not going to get better for the many any time soon.  

Brexit 

Two weeks after return from recess, there is still no sign of the Government bringing forward their EU Withdrawal Bill for debate.  With over 200 hostile amendments, this debate may not start until mid-November.  The Budget is due on November 22, and the Government is running out of time for the eight days of debate required before Christmas.  The Government is in paralysis. Negotiations are in deadline.  

The evidence is clear. There is chaos at the heart of this Government - no matter what issue they are dealing with'.