In Women & Equalities questions today I called on the Government to address injustices in the Universal Credit system which result in young parents losing out.

The issue has been raised by Go Girls, a campaigning group of local women aged between 15-25 who are housing tenants or members of local youth organisations. The group, which meets once a fortnight to discuss topics including safer relationships and women’s equality, is supported by Charter Housing and Bron Afon.

In Women & Equalities questions I said: “On behalf of the Go Girls, a group of young parents in Newport, can I raise with the Minister one of the injustices of the Universal Credit system? This is where under-25 year old lone parents get paid a lower rate than they would have received under tax credits. This is causing great hardship to young parents and children. Will the Minister help me lobby me the Department for Work and Pensions on this?”

The Minister responded by offering to meet with me and members of the group to discuss the issue further.