Iain Duncan Smith insists Universal Credit sign-off due ‘very shortly’

Iain Duncan Smith has insisted that HM Treasury is due to sign off the full business case for Universal Credit ‘very shortly’ despite it being five months since it was submitted.

In a debate in the House of Commons yesterday, the work and pensions minister explained: “The final stage in Treasury approvals is sign-off of the full business case, which covers the full lifetime of the programme.” adding “I genuinely believe, from my discussions, that it will be signed off very shortly.”

Opposition MPs unsurprisingly disagreed with the claim.

Labour MP Nicholas Brown said: “The answer to a similar question two months ago was “very shortly”, but it is taking rather longer than the secretary of state intended.”

Chris Bryant MP said that the programme “is being kept on a life-support system, and all he [Duncan Smith] can say is that the Treasury has guaranteed another 247 days of funding, with nothing beyond the end of this parliament.”

For the full story, see here.

Comments

Where are the STRONG opposition voices of politicians who should be fighting for those who can and desperately want to get back on their feet, and achieve career goals amid the Tesco, KFC.. jobs that Work Programme contractors offer them?

The lack of focus on ASPIRATIONS, and the push to get these same challenged people to 'get any job' is the show of weakness that contributes to the anxieties and stress of these job seekers.

Where are the politicians who are meant to be fighting for this large and diverse group of people whose social mobility is as important to them, as it is to families, neighbourhoods, communities and the economics of our society overall?

SHAMEFUL and DISGRACEFUL!!