Commons defeat over Universal Credit rollout

The Government was left red-faced tonight after a proposal to pause the rollout of its flagship Universal Credit benefit system passed unanimously in the House of Commons.

Almost all Conservative MPs abstained on the symbolic vote, but a single rebel - Totnes MP Dr Sarah Wollaston - broke ranks to protest at what she argued were failings in the system.

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Debbie Abrahams branded the astonishing result - which saw 299 votes in favour and zero against - a “major defeat” for the Government.

https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/theresa-may/news/89922/theresa-may-left-red-faced-after

It is all theatre really

The look of democracy without actually being democratic.


('Democracy' from the Greek 'Demos' people and 'Kratos' Power).

"In Scotland, the administration has used its new powers over welfare to pay UC every two weeks rather than every four". It also allows landlords to receive rent directly from the benefits agency rather than the tenant. It is a practical way – although still not completely adequate – of easing the problems of rent arrears that escalate wherever the system has been introduced. "

I wonder if they will do the same in the rest of the UK? However, the main concern seems to be the 6 week wait for the first payment?

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/18/the-guardian-view-on-universal-credit-losing-credit

Scotland has got the right idea.