The government’s controversial Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill passed the second reading stage in the House of Commons yesterday unamended and now passes to the House of Lords.
The Department of Work and Pensions impact assessment shows that nearly 10m households will lose out as a result of the Bill. The average loss will be around £3 a week compared to up-rating in line with the Consumer Price Index, with the poorest families losing the most.
The Labour Party tabled an amendment opposing the limits, and calling for the government instead to bring in a compulsory jobs guarantee that would force the long-term unemployed to work in return for their benefits.
The Labour amendment was defeated by 328 votes to 262 votes – a government majority of 66.