MP votes against cut to Universal Credit

Yesterday in the House of Commons, South Lakes MP Tim Farron voted to cancel Government plans to cut Universal Credit for struggling families in Cumbria.

From the end of September, people on Universal Credit will see their social security payments cut by £20 a week, amounting to over £1,000 a year.

It comes at the same time as the Government are introducing a rise in National Insurance contributions which is set to disproportionately effect low paid workers.

A new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that some 4,330 families in Westmorland and Lonsdale will be harmed by the Government's Universal Credit cut.

Last week, Tim joined representatives from local organisations such as South Lakes Housing, Manna House and Cumbria County Council in writing to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, urging him to not go ahead with the proposed cut.

Speaking after the vote, Tim 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."