Liz Kendall Faces Labour MP Grilling Over Benefit Rollout

Michael

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Post on Jul 02, 2025

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Liz Kendall Faces Labour MP Grilling Over Benefit Rollout

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary faces intense scrutiny over Universal Credit implementation.

The shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, faced a barrage of criticism from Labour MPs yesterday during a tense parliamentary meeting concerning the ongoing rollout of Universal Credit. The meeting, described by sources as "robust" and "highly charged," highlighted deep divisions within the Labour party regarding the controversial benefits system. Concerns ranged from the impact on vulnerable families to accusations of inadequate government oversight.

Kendall, who has previously expressed concerns about aspects of Universal Credit's design, found herself defending the Labour party's overall approach to the benefit system. The grilling comes at a critical time for the party, as it grapples with public perception of its economic policies and seeks to present a credible alternative to the Conservative government.

<h3>Key Concerns Raised by Labour MPs</h3>

The meeting saw MPs raise a number of specific concerns about the Universal Credit rollout, including:

• Increased hardship for claimants: Many MPs shared anecdotal evidence of constituents facing severe financial difficulties due to delays in payments and the complexities of the system. The impact on single parents and those with disabilities was highlighted as particularly concerning.
• Insufficient support for jobseekers: Concerns were raised about the adequacy of support available to help claimants find and retain employment. MPs argued that the current system fails to provide sufficient training and guidance, exacerbating existing inequalities.
• Digital exclusion: The reliance on online applications and digital processes was criticised for excluding vulnerable individuals lacking access to technology or digital literacy skills. This raises significant accessibility issues and further marginalises already disadvantaged groups.
• Lack of adequate oversight and accountability: MPs questioned the government's approach to monitoring the impact of Universal Credit and demanded greater transparency and accountability regarding its implementation. The lack of robust data on the system's impact was a recurring theme.

<h3>Kendall's Response and the Party's Position</h3>

Kendall acknowledged the challenges posed by Universal Credit but defended the Labour party's commitment to improving the system rather than outright scrapping it. She emphasized the party's plans to address some of the identified flaws, including:

• Improving the advance payment system: Kendall highlighted Labour's proposals to reform the advance payment system to ensure claimants receive timely financial support.
• Strengthening support for jobseekers: She reiterated the party's commitment to investing in job training and support services to help claimants find and retain employment.
• Addressing digital exclusion: Kendall outlined plans to tackle digital exclusion by improving access to technology and digital literacy training for vulnerable individuals.

However, her responses failed to fully satisfy some of the more critical MPs, who remain unconvinced by the Labour party's approach. The internal debate reflects a wider national conversation about the effectiveness and fairness of Universal Credit, a system that continues to be a source of significant political contention.

<h3>Looking Ahead: The Road to Reform</h3>

The intense scrutiny faced by Liz Kendall highlights the significant challenges facing the Labour party in crafting a convincing policy response to the complexities of Universal Credit. The debate is far from over, and the coming months will likely see further discussions and potential policy adjustments as the party seeks to navigate this politically charged issue. The outcome will significantly impact Labour's credibility on social welfare issues and its ability to win over voters concerned about the cost of living crisis. The ongoing debate will undoubtedly continue to be a key talking point in the lead-up to the next general election.

Keywords: Liz Kendall, Labour Party, Universal Credit, benefits, benefit rollout, social welfare, parliamentary meeting, political debate, cost of living crisis, jobseekers, digital exclusion, accessibility, government oversight, shadow work and pensions secretary.