The Guardian view on universal credit: Labour’s plan makes sense | Editorial

The underlying problem with the flagship Tory policy is the idea that claimants need to change. Could a new government turn this on its head?

The shocking failings of universal credit are justly blamed on the government having listened to the wrong people when setting it up. The sensible reforms set out by Labour show that the opposition has been listening to the right ones. Never mind that the package of changes announced by Jeremy Corbyn on Saturday was misleadingly described as a plan to "scrap" universal credit. His party's proposals to end the five-week wait for initial payments, scrap the benefit cap and two-child limit (and heinous "rape clause") are sound. So are promises to review the sanctions system, ditch the "digital only" approach and hire 5,000 new advisers to help those who struggle with online applications.

Brexit has temporarily obscured much else. But rising levels of poverty in the UK over the past five years, particularly among children and pensioners, rival the current chaos as the deepest stain on the Conservatives' record. Combined with the rise of insecure, low-paid work, use of food banks and sharp increases in homelessness and rough sleeping, this immiseration must be a priority for any party seeking to replace them.