10. What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the rollout of universal credit in Wales? (OAQ51186)

I’m deeply concerned about the devastating impact of universal credit on those who are left waiting for six weeks or more for their first payments. I’ve written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions calling for the roll-out of universal credit full service to be paused.

I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer, and it follows on from an answer he’s given to the Member for Arfon this afternoon. I know he will agree that universal credit’s more than just a political shambles; it’s cruel and it’s causing real hardship. The cost of calling helplines has been raised regularly, as too has the crucial issue of the frequency of payments. Now, I don’t doubt the Cabinet Secretary’s sincerity in his opposition to welfare reform more generally. I know that he genuinely opposes the cruel sanctions regime as well, but I am at a loss to understand why, therefore, he won’t at least take a further step forward and look at the feasibility of establishing a social solidarity fund in Wales that could begin funding mitigation steps, and then, at the same time, look to a devolved welfare administration model—because let’s remember, we’re the only country in these islands without the devolution of the administration of welfare—so that we can make it work for Wales, and rather than having to protest at that lot up in London to change their ways, we can do something more humane for our citizens here.

I’m grateful for the Member’s question. I genuinely—. When I get questions, the Member raises this on a regular basis, and that’s encouraging in terms of his commitment too. The fact of the matter is that we do do many things that mitigate the issues and effects that happen as a result of Westminster decisions, but, as I said earlier, making sure that we have the finances to support the administration of this process is an important one. We have to make sure that taking responsibility is credible, in the fact that we are able to act positively to support these individuals who are being affected by this. At the moment, the responsibility lies with the UK Government, and we are very clear in saying that the universal credit process is not working for people and is dangerous in the way that it’s being enacted.