Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith says Theresa May will 'betray' those in need if she fails to boost Universal Credit budget

THERESA May will betray the “just about managing” if she fails to pump £2billion into Universal Credit, a former Tory leader said yesterday.

Iain Duncan Smith, the architect of the benefits programme, said it was the “single best instrument” to help Britain’s poorest workers.


And he urged the PM and Chancellor to reverse cuts to the scheme made by ex-Chancellor George Osborne in 2015.

It came as Tory backbencher Johnny Mercer tore into Ministers for failing to support UC in public – and renewed calls for the extra £2billion to be found.

He stormed: “Ministers must earn their Government pay roll, and not leave backbenchers like me and a few others dangling in the wind on this.”

It is understood Mr Duncan Smith is backed by dozens of MPs including campaigners such as Heidi Allen and Brexit-backing Tories.

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They want the Chancellor to freeze plans to raise the tax allowance to raise the money for the programme.

Speaking to Sky yesterday, Mr Duncan Smith said: “Theresa May stood on the steps of Downing Street and said, I want to look after those who are just about managing.

“Universal Credit is the single best instrument to get to those who are just managing. It’s better than the tax system, it’s better than charitable giveaways.”

Don’t drop the ball, Tory rising star warns PM

by Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View

Entering the Universal Credit debate last week proved another bruising but learning experience for me.

I made it clear as long as six months ago, that whilst a raising income tax threshold policy was of course to be welcomed, actually whilst over three quarters of people who benefit from that policy are in the top half of income earners in places like Plymouth, it would be sensible to consider scrapping these rises – essentially giving this cohort more money – and re-investing it into taper rates and work allowances in Universal Credit which would specifically target our most vulnerable constituents.

The response was telling.

Universal Credit – something that resourced as it was initially intended could be a defining marker of a modern compassionate Conservative party – has swiftly become a poisoned debate.

Too many horrific experiences have happened in too many of our most vulnerable communities, have been reacted to too slowly.

The Government has tried hard in the past: reduction in waiting times, same day advances, landlords portal – so that cash can be paid directly to landlords – and transition payments show a willingness to learn and get this right.

But the negativity continues. Why? Too many bad experiences (still), but fanned by too many on the left in politics in it only for themselves.

For the life-changing nature of UC speaks to everything most politicians get into politics for.

It markedly improves life chances, living standards, mental health and opportunities on our most deprived areas.

Those who believe in it must step up. Our job as politicians is to advocate, to lead, to bring people with us to a brighter future.

The evidence is with us in this one – 92 per cent of claimants in Plymouth receive their first payment on time.

Ministers must earn their Government payroll, and not leave backbenchers like me and a few others dangling in the wind on this like last weekend.

This could and should be a defining policy area outside of Brexit that speaks to a modern Conservative party meeting the challenges of a modern Britain.

Let’s not drop the ball on this one too.

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