NORTHWICH’S MP has spoken out in the Commons over the Government’s ‘shambolic’ rollout of Universal Credit.

Labour had tabled an opposition day motion aimed at pausing and fixing the rollout of the Government’s flagship welfare reform due to problems with its implementation that have caused delays in some payment, but the Tories abstained from the vote completely.

Universal Credit has already been introduced in some parts of Weaver Vale and is due to be rolled out in Northwich in December.

Last month Mike Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale, met with Citizens Advice and Jobcentre representatives in preparation for an anticipated increase in caseload as a result.

Mr Amesbury told the house: “My issue is not with the aim of the policy itself – we can see the value in the basic principles of universal credit and what it is trying to achieve – and nor is our dispute with the staff at our local jobcentres.

“Yes, I have visited my local jobcentre, and some are doing everything they can to support residents in circumstances that are not of their making or of their choosing.

“Our argument is with this Government, who are overseeing a shambolic implementation that is causing delays, confusion, distress and debt.

“Our concern is for the thousands of residents and families who are faced with hardship – and, in some cases, hunger and homelessness – while this Government carries on regardless, ignoring the effects of their policy on the people of Weaver Vale and this nation.”

During the debate, the Labour MP spoke about constituents who had contacted him for help.

He said one woman, referred to as Lucy, was was forced to take wage slips to the jobcentre after a ‘catalogue of errors’ from government departments meant her payments were miscalculated.

Mr Amesbury said: “Lucy was left in arrears for rent and council tax, with no money for food for weeks and weeks on end. Her request for an advance payment was ignored – which people have talked about in the house – indeed she was told, and I quote ‘oh this is happening to quite a lot of people’.”

“Lucy said to me, I have a daughter, I’m a single parent trying to make ends meet, an honest living. And this is how I’m treated.

“No government, especially one that claims to be building a country that works for everyone should here those words and refuse to take action.”

Following the vote, Mr Amesbury also wrote to David Gauke, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, asking him to reconsider the policy before it is rolled out across the rest of Weaver Vale.