MP urges need to ‘get a grip’ on welfare reform

Livingston Labour MP Graeme Morrice has called on the UK Government to “get a grip” on its controversial welfare reform plans.

A single Universal Credit is due to replace jobseeker’s allowance, tax credits, income support and other payments from October next year, but concerns have been raised about how it will work.

Mr Morrice said: “David Cameron promised to make work pay for everyone, but for millions of the poorest 
people across the UK, his welfare changes are doing the exact opposite.

“The benefits system has got to promote work – the harder you work, the better off you should be.

“But the Government’s flagship welfare plans are set to leave thousands of people in West Lothian with less of a reason to work harder than they have now.

“It’s time for ministers to get a grip of their chaotic 
reforms.”