The steps that have been taken to confront the Coronavirus public health emergency have been absolutely necessary – including the extra support for the welfare system through Universal Credit. The temporary £20 weekly increase has made a real difference to many families up and down the country – including in the Hendon constituency.
 
Despite the success of the vaccine rollout and the reopening of the economy, there is still a way to go before the economy recovers and I know that many still face hardship. 
 
I do not think that now is the time to make changes to remove this extra money. It was for this reason that in January I supported the Labour motion to keep the £20 top-up to Universal Credit and in the most recent vote I abstained. I believe these actions send a clear message to the Government that this issue must be addressed.
 
Please be assured that I will continue to work with colleagues and the Government to help all constituents that are facing financial hardship as a result of this pandemic.