SUPPORT for struggling families was a point of contention in the House of Commons with two Cumbrian MPs amongst those calling for the continuation of increased Universal Credit.

The Northern Research Group, made up of 65 Conservative MPs, called on Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak not to end the increased Universal Credit support.

Tory MPs have sided with the Labour Party on the point. MP for Carlisle John Stevenson speaking on behalf of the Tory pressure group has called a £1000 increase to Universal Credit a “lifeline” for families.

He said: “That is why the NRG are once again calling on the Chancellor to extend the Universal Credit uplift until restrictions are lifted, to ensure that individuals and families who have been worst affected by this pandemic are supported through our recovery with the security they need.”

Labour used the Opposition Day Debate yesterday to present a non-binding motion to Parliament, proposing that the Government abandon plans to scrap increased Universal Credit support.

All will be revealed when Mr Sunak sets out 2021’s Budget on Wednesday March 3. Business minister Nadhim Zahawi has indicated that the chancellor would include “additional help” for hard hit families.

Labour councillor for St. John’s ward in Workington Michael Heaslip said: “We would certainly want to see the Universal Credit extended and we want to see a review into Universal Credit because there are concerns about how it works in the first place.

“The £20 uplift should be continued until a full review into the working of Universal Credit is completed. We’ve had austerity for the last 10 years. It was never generous when it was introduced. Even before the pandemic, people were struggling with austerity.”

“There is child poverty in every ward. There will be people in St John’s ward who will be badly effected by this.”