The economy has gone through tough times over the last decade. We remain one of the richest nations on Earth but the distribution of that wealth seems to be increasingly skewed. This is at the heart of the debate currently raging over Universal Credit; the rolling up of benefits into a single payment brought in under the 2010-15 Coalition government.

Research suggests more than a million children could be without free school meals if the Government pushes ahead with the rollout. During the recent vote in Parliament, opposition MPs used “praying against” to try and defeat the Government – somewhat ironic, since ‘praying against’ the onset of UC is something many have surely done.

How a society treats its most vulnerable is one of the hallmarks of its validity. Even for those without direct experience of it, films such as I, Daniel Blake, have brought home the cruel reality of its effect on those who have fallen on hard times.

A judge has granted a High Court review of UC, following its impact on severely disabled people and it’s been reported that councils have set aside funds to deal with the consequences of financial hardship experienced by those awaiting payment.

The enforced no-income period is putting people into debt, risk of physical and mental illness, poverty, destitution and in some reports, driving people to consider suicide.

Last week, there was a rare moment of harmony in Watford Town Hall council chamber. What triggered this rare political phenomenon? A motion I submitted on the Universal Credit benefits system.

Let’s be clear. The idea of benefits simplification and helping people into work is to be applauded, but this has to be done in a practical and compassionate way to help those who have hit near rock bottom. There’s a long way to go.

- Cllr Matt Turmaine is Labour representative for Holywell