A Cumbrian Conservative MP has voted against the Government by backing an opposition motion to cancel its planned cut to Universal Credit.
Penrith and the Border MP Neil Hudson yesterday voted in favour of the opposition motion calling on the Government to cancel its cut to Universal Credit.
In response to the pandemic, a temporary £20 increase to universal credit payments was introduced.
The scheme officially ends on October 6.
The motion did pass because the Government abstained on the vote meaning that 253 MPs votes for it and technically no MPs voted against.
It was a resolution of the House that expresses the will of the elected representatives but it cannot change the law or force the Government to change the policy.
Dr Hudson said: “Unfortunately, I think the Government has found itself on the wrong side of this debate. The £20 a week uplift in Universal Credit has been a lifeline to many of my constituents throughout the pandemic and it would not be prudent to take money out of people’s pockets as the economy is still recovering from such a shock.
“I know that the Government has suggested that we need to shift focus to getting people back to work but I think that misses the point that Universal Credit is both an in-work and out of work benefit, with 40 per cent of claimants classed as being in employment. I will continue to make representations to my colleagues in government on this.”
Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron also voted to cancel Government plans to cut Universal Credit for struggling families in Cumbria.
Speaking after the vote, he said: “It is absolutely despicable that the Government seem determined to slash the incomes of struggling families.
“This move will have devastating effects on people’s livelihoods and their mental health.
“Whether it’s cutting Universal Credit or hiking National Insurance, this government seem to have got it in for people who work hard but don’t earn much money.
“That’s why I was proud to vote against it yesterday in Parliament and will continue to fight these plans.”
