Thousands of low-paid people on universal credit will receive reduced payments or none at all over Christmas, in a fresh controversy about the new benefit.
The claimants will be hit because they are paid weekly and their income “will likely go over the universal credit limit”, officials say.
They will be able to reapply in January – but, it is feared, will be left without a payment from the Government over the Christmas and New Year period.
Claimants are advised to “budget for a potential change”, but critics argue this ignores the reality facing many lower-paid people used to receiving payments weekly.
An angry Frank Field, the Labour chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee, demanded that ministers explain, on Monday, how they intend to abide by the will of the Commons.
“The whole House has unanimously asked the Government to move. That’s what I want the Secretary of State to address on Monday,” Mr Field added.
A climbdown is widely expected before next Wednesday’s Budget, but only a cut to a five-week wait – which would not satisfy the motion passed.
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