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Thomson Challenges Work and Pensions Minister on Cost-of-Living

Gordon MP Richard Thomson has challenged the UK Government to commit to increasing Universal Credit, following the example of the Scottish Government which has increased the Scottish Child Payment to £20 per child per week and will increase to £25 by the end of the year. 

Mr Thomson was speaking during Department for Work and Pensions questions in the House of Commons this week.  He asked the Under-Secretary of State: 

“The Scottish Government have doubled their game-changing Scottish Child Payment to £20 per child per week and will increase that to £25 by the end of the year, thereby supporting more than 100,000 children.  Why will the UK Government not commit to increasing universal credit by an equivalent amount over the same timescale, and match that for and extend it to those on legacy benefits as well?” 

Commenting afterwards, Richard Thomson MP said: 

“The Scottish Child Payment is just one of a raft of support payments that have been introduced in Scotland to build a social security system that is built on dignity, fairness and respect. 

“Families across Scotland are already benefitting from further support after the Scottish Child Payment was doubled in April and is set to be increased even further by the end of the year. 

“It’s disappointing that UK Government Ministers still don’t recognise the huge impact that the cost-of-living crisis will have on families up and down the country when they should be taking steps to ensure that there is a comprehensive package of support available to help people cope with what is now a ‘cost-of-living-with-Westminster’ crisis.”  

• Press Release