MPs join to call for halt in Universal Credit roll-out
Political Correspondent GLASGOW MPs have called for the roll out of the controversial Universal Credit benefit policy to be halted.
Labour MP Paul Sweeney and SNP MP Alison Thewliss have signed a letter to the Work and Pensions Secretary, David Gauke, calling for the latest roll-out including to areas in Scotland to be delayed.
They argue the system is unable to cope with the change and people will be pushed into hardship.
The benefit where one payment replaces several different payments is due to be rolled out to South Lanarkshire this month.
The planned introduction for Glasgow is not due until next year.
However 123 MPs from different parties have signed the letter stating the roll-out so far in 55 areas of the UK has led to delays to payments putting people in debt causing rent arrears and evictions.
It states: “We urge you to proceed with continued caution with Universal Credit so as not to endanger the millions of people due to be affected in the next few months.”
The MPs said a quarter of claimants are waiting six weeks for payments and there is evidence of some families waiting 12 weeks.
Mr Sweeney, Labour MP for Glasgow North East, which includes some of the highest areas of deprivation in the country, said the system was a “shambles”.
He said: “David Gauke must now do the decent thing and delay next week’s planned 11-fold expansion until Universal Credit systems are working properly. If he doesn’t, then hundreds of thousands more families each month will have to suffer weeks with no money, causing them long-term financial problems.
“It would be a huge injustice for so many families to suffer simply because the government will not admit they still can’t get Universal Credit working properly.”
The roll-out this month to South Lanarkshire includes those who use Jobcentre Plus offices in Rutherglen, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Cambuslang and Lanark. Claimants in East Ayrshire who use offices in Kilmarnock and Cumnock are also affected.
The PCS union which represents DWP staff in Jobcentres has also called for the roll-out to be stopped.
It said: “The serious problems claimants are having in accessing this benefit means they may not be in a position to focus on getting jobs because they are too busy managing debts and trying to make ends meet. This also has a negative impact on their relationship with their Work Coach who will be seen as the face of DWP and may be blamed.”