Catherine McKinnell MP has used a debate in Parliament today to call on the Government to change direction and cancel the planned £20 per week cut to Universal Credit.

During a debate on the planned cut, Catherine highlighted research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation showing that 40% of families with children in Newcastle North would lose out if the Government proceed with their planned cut to Universal Credit.

Speaking in the debate, Catherine outlined that “we have one of the most expensive childcare systems in the world, we know working families are struggling, the Government can do something simple to support those families by changing its direction on this cut today.”

Following the debate. Catherine commented:

“The £20 per week uplift has been a lifeline for nearly 9000 families – 6384 with children – in Newcastle North.

“Cutting this would see families lose nearly £9million. If the Government goes ahead with the biggest overnight benefit cut in history, over 40% of families with children in Newcastle North will lose out on this vital lifeline.

“I urge the Government to think again and cancel this cut before it has a disastrous impact on some of the most disadvantaged families in Newcastle North”