Botched benefits are not working

NOTHING symbolises the harshness of Tory ideology more than their approach to social security.

Conservative governments think nothing of making wealthy voters better off or handing contracts to firms run by their pals.

At the same time they run down the benefits system and demonise the people who rely on lifeline payments.

Their approach to Universal Credit is a case in point.

Having an all-in-one benefit like UC made sense in principle, but in practice Tory politicians starved it of resources.

They increased UC by £20 a week during the pandemic, only to cruelly snatch it away.

Anomalies are also rife, such as work allowances being available to people on UC with kids, but not to many others.

This results in the perverse situation of young people without children having their UC withdrawn once their low incomes reach a certain level.

Citizens Advice Scotland, a charity that works with UC claimants, is correct to call for work allowances to be extended to everyone on this benefit.

Not only would it cut poverty levels, but it would incentivise work instead of punishing it.

Universal Credit needs a fundamental overhaul and work allowances is one area in need of urgent reform.

However, the chances of Boris Johnson’s government making the necessary changes to the welfare system are non-existent.

Tory MPs are more concerned about Rishi Sunak cutting taxes for the wealthy ahead of the next general election.

The UK needs a Government that targets resources based on need, rather than a dodgy administration in the pockets of the rich.