Government’s diluted welfare bill clears House of Commons

MPs have approved the government’s benefits bill, which was heavily watered-down last week following a rebellion by Labour backbenchers.

The Universal Credit Bill is expected to be classed as a money bill, meaning it could become law after one month, with or without the approval of the House of Lords.

The measures implement cuts to the health-related element of universal credit for some claimants, while ensuring other parts of the benefit rise above inflation.

The bill had originally proposed making it harder for people to claim the personal independence payment however, following objections from Labour MPs, this has been scrapped for existing claimants and put on hold for future ones.

Personal independence payment (Pip) is paid to people with long-term physical or mental health…