We are just beginning to see the effects of Universal Credit here in Bristol, where a gradual rollout started earlier this year. The full rollout (known as ‘managed migration’) is due to start in 2021, and I am particularly concerned about how benefit claimants with mental health issues will be affected by these changes.

I have written to the Secretary of State for the Work and Pensions, calling on her department to make changes to the draft regulations on Universal Credit managed migration, to ensure that no one will see their existing benefits stopped until they have a claim to Universal Credit. I sincerely hope the Government takes these concerns on board and make the changes necessary so that no one else is plunged into poverty due to the current flaws within this new benefits programme.