Motion text
That this House recognises the profound impact that the covid-19 pandemic has had on the economy and the labour market, forcing many to rely on welfare benefits to survive at this difficult time; notes the importance that the temporary uplift to universal credit of £20 per week has played in providing a lifeline for those struggling financially and registers its deep concern at plans to remove this vital support; further notes that the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has estimated that if this temporary uplift is withdrawn, it will remove over £1000 a year from 6 million households, reducing the incomes of the bottom fifth of the population by 7 per cent overnight; understands that this will leave many unable to afford basic necessities such as housing costs, food and heating; recognises that after a four year benefit freeze, as well as the numerous challenges posed by the universal credit system, such as the five-week wait before payments are made, have created huge pressure on the budgets of the most vulnerable, leaving many trapped in debt and despair; and calls on the Government to end the uncertainty faced by millions of households and ensure that this temporary uplift in universal credit is made permanent to avoid a financial cliff-edge for claimants at the end of March 2021 and to commit to a longer term strategy to tackle the shameful levels of poverty across the UK.
Signatures (28)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Gibson, Patricia
Scottish National Party
Signed on
20 January 2021
Bonnar, Steven
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2021
Edwards, Jonathan
Independent
Signed on
21 January 2021
Smith, Alyn
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2021
Dorans, Allan
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2021
MacAskill, Kenny
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2021
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
Stephens, Chris
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2021
Chapman, Douglas
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2021
Brown, Alan
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2021
Williams, Hywel
Plaid Cymru
Signed on
22 January 2021
Lake, Ben
Plaid Cymru
Signed on
22 January 2021
Saville Roberts, Liz
Plaid Cymru
Signed on
22 January 2021
Law, Chris
Scottish National Party
Signed on
25 January 2021
Hill, Mike
Labour
Signed on
25 January 2021
Farry, Stephen
Alliance
Signed on
25 January 2021
Hanvey, Neale
Scottish National Party
Signed on
25 January 2021
Brock, Deidre
Scottish National Party
Signed on
25 January 2021
Lucas, Caroline
Green Party
Signed on
25 January 2021
Thewliss, Alison
Scottish National Party
Signed on
25 January 2021
McDonnell, John
Labour
Signed on
27 January 2021
Thompson, Owen
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2021
McDonald, Stewart Malcolm
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2021
Gray, Neil
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2021
Fellows, Marion
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2021
Whitford, Dr Philippa
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2021
Grady, Patrick
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2021
Hendry, Drew
Scottish National Party
Signed on
1 February 2021
Callaghan, Amy
Scottish National Party
Signed on
1 February 2021
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.