UC: a costly failure that’s ruined lives

■ So, Welfare Secretary Amber Rudd has finally admitted that Universal Credit has led to an increase in foodbank use (Mirror, February 12). Well done! What to do about it though? Well, scrap it, obviously.

Meanwhile, housing costs should go direct to a landlord, not the claimant. Reform of legacy benefits would have been better and more cost effective. Like David Cameron, Iain Duncan Smith has a lot answer for, disappearing after the crime.

Billions of pounds are underclaimed, yet Amber Rudd presides over a failed reform.

It’s high time for a rethink.

Gary Martin, East London

■ Welfare Secretary Amber Rudd’s decision to admit Universal Credit is the main cause behind the surge in the use of foodbanks sounds like a government in retreat.

A general election could be called any time now and this sudden admission is not the best advert for a party who have trumpeted how tremendous UC is.

Almost 10 years in the making, it’s been an expensive failure – a reform that has ruined lives, created poverty and does not work. We know the Conservatives hate to be proved wrong, but with Universal Credit it’s finally time to bite the bullet.

Stephen Dixon Redcar Teesside

■ The major problems with Universal Credit are the five-week waiting period and the payment of rent allowance to the claimant, not the homeowner. Also, why is there an insistence to pay claimants monthly? In today’s age, virtually all bank transactions are automatic functions paid in milliseconds through computers, and whether it’s weekly or monthly is irrelevant.

The only people who gain by delaying payments are the government, in that they can hang on to their money for this five-week period. Why not pay the claimants weekly to soften the blow?

Terry Marriott Waterlooville, Hants

■ While the Brexit farce continues, the country goes down the pan. Just look at the evidence – massive increase in foodbanks and homelessness, and the worst child poverty in years.

How much more are we going to put up with? This Tory Government, full of backslapping, uncaring and incompetent ministers, led by an arrogant and useless Prime Minister, is now running scared of Jeremy Corbyn and Labour, because when they get into power they will have to pay their share. Pete Grattage, Stoke-on-Trent

■ So Amber Rudd is admitting what we already know – that she and this Tory Government are to blame for pushing people into poverty and forcing them to use foodbanks. Most who rely on handouts are families who work. The Tories are also to blame for the homeless crisis. Shameful.

Susan Notaro, North London

■ At last a Government minister has lifted their head out the sand and admitted UC has forced people into relying on foodbanks. Now we need them to reduce all the suffering.

M George Biggleswade, Beds

■ Rudd by name, rudderless by nature. You don’t need to be an economic genius to work out that UC is responsible for the rise in foodbanks – just stick your head out into the real world!

Colin Davies, Liverpool