Mp’s petition to get credit payments fix

an Mp has launched an online petition to address one of the major problems of the current Universal Credit ( UC) roll out - the UK government’s insistence on making payments to a single household bank account.

Central ayrshire Mp Dr philippa Whitford said the practice makes those suffering from domestic abuse more financially vulnerable if they are unable to access their own funds.

Dr Whitford has launched the petition on the back of her private Member’s Bill which seeks to make individual split payments to a couple the norm to ensure individuals, whose finances are controlled by their partner, have access to financial means.

Dr Whitford raised the issue at prime Minister’s Questions; asking theresa May to end single household payments that are still part of the Universal Credit roll out despite substantial evidence which shows it makes victims of domestic abuse more financially vulnerable.

she said: “putting already vulnerable women and children in danger of further abuse and financial coercion is one of the consequences of the shambolic roll out of Universal Credit, but it is also one which could easily be fixed. Many charities have been calling for split payments and have supported me and my team in the development of my private Member’s Bill to reform Universal Credit.”

Dr Whitford said split payments should be made the norm.