MINISTERS have BLOCKED moves to reveal the real damage that Universal Credit could bring to millions of Brits.

Labour tried to use a key debate to demand the Government tell them exactly how much every Brit who goes onto the controversial new benefit will lose, but they lose the vote to the Tories.

3 Esther McVey could be forced to publish the impact papers on how much Brits could lose on Universal Credit Credit: Getty Images - Getty

MPs voted 299 - 279 against the motion to force ministers to show the impact of Universal Credit, which would have made them hand over any documents on the case.

The opposition had previously used the obscure procedure to make minister publish documents on the impact of Brexit - after they won a vote.

In a four hour-long debate MPs lined up to attack the Government over their flagship benefits programme.

Ex-minister Brexiteer Priti Patel demanded that "modifications" be made to make sure that "life changing" support could be given to those who need it. "It's important now we get this change right."

3 Universal Credit is being rolled out and replace benefits like job seekers allowance and child tax credits with one single payment Credit: Alamy

And campaigning MP Heidi Allen said the planned changes to make it fairer did "not go far enough", calling for an automated transfer of data from the old to the new system.

Fellow Tory Johnny Mercer said: "This place absolutely stinks today."

Labour claimed the new system was a "vehicle for cuts" and was causing immense hardship for millions of Brits.

Tonight's defeat came just hours after it was reported that the Tories are planning a major climbdown on Universal Credit - by delaying the rollout and giving more money to those who could lose out.

If the plans are signed off from the Treasury, it could mean Brits applying for Universal Credit get an extra two weeks worth of benefits while they wait for their new payments to kick in.

The new system rolls six benefits into one monthly payment, and aims to support more people into work.

3 Philip Hammond is under pressure to reverse plans to cut the welfare budget Credit: AFP or licensors

But the rollout has been beset with problems already - with complaints claimants have had to even resort to prostitution to make ends meet.

Others have expressed outrage with the 5 week wait for new payments to start, and many say they have been tipped into debt.

But last week Esther McVey admitted that some people will be "worse off" on the new system - despite ministers promising that anyone moving across won't be.

Yesterday DWP minister Alok Sharma said that no more than 10,000 people would be migrated across next year, confirming the rollout would be slowed down.

Millions more were set to be transferred over next year.

He also said that a new bill on how claimants will be put onto the new system will be coming "later this year" - leading to hopes there could be a surprise Budget announcement to help Brits on low incomes.

A group of Tories - led by architect of Universal Credit, Iain Duncan Smith - is trying to force the Chancellor to reverse the £2billion of cuts to the welfare budget, to allow more help for those moving onto the new system.

What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit IF you're experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don't cover costs, here are your options: Apply for an advance - Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it's a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit pay out. Alternative Payment Arrangements- If you're falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you're part of a couple. Budgeting Advance - You may be able to get help from the government to help with emergency household costs of up to £348 if you're single, £464 if you're part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You'll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You'll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit. Cut your Council Tax - You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax or be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments if your payments aren't enough to cover your rent. Foodbanks - If you're really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the Trussel Trust website.

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Yesterday Tory MP Johnny Mercer said it could cost the party the next election if they didn't get it right.

A Labour source told The Sun the party was hoping to pick off enough Tory rebels to inflict an embarrassing defeat on the Government.

The source said: "A lot of Tory MPs are very concerned about it and have been seeking assurances that people won't be worse off - beyond just the usual suspects.

"Around 80 or so Tory MPs' majorities are smaller than the number of people in their constituencies due to moved onto UC - so no wonder they're spooked!"

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