Lords debates Universal Credit Bill

The Universal Credit Bill will reform the welfare system by allowing the government to:

alter the rates of Universal Credit and employment allowance, so as to increase the rate of standard allowance above inflation
reduce and freeze the rate of the Limited Capability for Work and
Work-related Activity for new claimants
introduce protections for new and existing claimaints, dependent on health conditions
devolve social security matters to Northern Ireland, in line with Scotland and Wales.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members will discuss the main topics in the bill and draw attention to specific areas of concern.

This is a money bill. As the House of Lords cannot make amendments to money bills, it is expected that the remaining stages – committee stage, report stage and third reading – will all take place formally the same day.

Motion to regret

Members will also discuss a motion to regret in the name of Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green), on the grounds that the bill:

discriminates against age
impacts on those with high need and mental health conditions
increases severvity of poverty among people with disabilities.

The motion also notes concerns raised by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

If agreed to, the motion cannot stop the bill, but will put on record the House’s regret for the specified reasons.

Members speaking

Baroness Sherlock (Labour), Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions, will open the debate and respond on behalf of the government.

Contributing members are expected to include:

Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell (Conservative), president of employment and business charity, The Jobs Foundation
Baroness Grey-Thompson (Crossbench), disability rights campaigner and trustee of the British Institute of Human Rights
Baroness Lister of Butersett (Labour), patron of economic, social and cultural rights charity Just Fair.