Last week was the first week back in Parliament and I was proud to be given the responsibility of representing the Government at the dispatch box to spell out our continued aim to reform the welfare system so that it always pays more to be in work than out of work.
In 2010 we inherited a welfare system on the brink of collapse. It wasn’t supporting people into work – in fact, it was doing exactly the opposite as the system provided little or no incentives alone to progress into work. Opportunity was denied as it paid more to be on benefits than in work and the system itself became extremely complex to navigate – meaning that those in real need often struggled to get the help that they were entitled to.
This Governments aim is to create a system that extends opportunity and ensures work always pays. At the forefront of this is the introduction of Universal Credit, a benefit designed to guarantee that people would always be better off in work.
I was given the task to champion Universal Credit despite opposition from Labour and the SNP. I was delighted to do so as I truly believe that its introduction will have a positive impact on both the claimants and the taxpayer.
Firstly, UC provides the right incentives, alongside the support, for people to find work and then – crucially – progress in work. The payments stay with people when they enter work and until their earnings reach a certain level or until they can support themselves.
Secondly, it simplifies the system by rolling six benefits into one. There will no longer be complications in regards to receiving the benefit, meaning that those who need extra support, will be able to rest easy knowing that the support will be arriving in one lump sum, rather than several different payments at different times.
Thirdly, it offers real assistance in actually helping people to find work. Claimants have a single point of contact with a work coach at the Job Centre who provides personalised support, advice and guidance to help them develop and seek work.
So whilst it is still incredibly nerve racking to speak at the dispatch box in the House of Commons, with many opposition MPs heckling away, I was determined to defend our reforms to welfare. Especially on behalf of all of the local residents who raised the issue of welfare reform on the doorsteps during the election.
Our new system is transforming lives across the country and helping to create a society where everybody is given a chance to succeed. And our pledge to get Britain working – to give people the skills and the opportunities to reach their full potential – is being realised.
