All 1 Debates between Alok Sharma and Lord Walney

Tue 16th Oct 2018

Universal Credit

Debate between Alok Sharma and Lord Walney
Tuesday 16th October 2018

(5 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alok Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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My hon. Friend is right. Regular wages are up 3.1% this year, and I agree that we now have a system in place whereby work pays. The analysis that we have published shows that people get paid more under universal credit.

Lord Walney Portrait John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Ind)
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Universal credit is due to be rolled out in Barrow just three weeks before Christmas this year—the worst possible time—and there is currently no certainty that debt relief will be provided for the area. Will the Minister rethink and postpone the roll-out?

Alok Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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The roll-out in Reading, which I represent, took place prior to Christmas last year. There were no issues, and I very much hope that things will be the same in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, but I am happy to have a discussion to ensure that he is talking to his jobcentre and that he gets the comfort he needs.