Last- ditch bid to fix out UC failings

A MP secured a ten Minute Rule Bill ( tMRB) at Westminster to try and push the UK Government to amend their new social security benefit, Universal Credit ( UC), before it is rolled out further across Ayrshire next year.

Central Ayrshire MP Dr Philippa Whitford says pilots of Universal Credit and those areas where it has already been implemented have shown that it is pushing thousands of people into poverty and destitution - primarily, due to the minimum six- week wait recipients must wait for their first payment and many are falling into debt, particularly rent arrears.

to make matters worse, she says the six- week wait has in reality been eight to 10 weeks for many recipients, and even longer for others. the impact of this is that many families are having to rely on food banks and emergency crisis payments just to get by while some are facing the threat of homelessness.

Dr Whitford said: “It’s time the tory Government recognised the impact UC is having on the poorest in our society and agreed to fix it before more families are made to suffer needlessly. If they don’t act, their supposed flagship welfare policy will soon become theresa May’s Poll tax.”

Bill Grant MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cummnock, said: “For folk who think they may face difficulties before their first Universal Credit payment, an advance payment can be requested.

“New claimants also have the opportunity to discuss concerns about managing their finances with their work coach at the start of their claim through Personal Budgeting support.”

Mr Grant added: “this government is addressing and will continue address the need for change in a clumsy, outdated welfare system that traps people.”