Changes to system causing ‘starvation’

UNIVERSAL Credit is forcing people into starvation and must be halted, according to Scotland’s Social Security Minister.

Shirley Anne Somerville said the new benefit system being phased in across Glasgow just now by the UK Government is leading to destitution.

She said the system is intended to place barriers in the way of claimants getting what they are due.

Ms Somerville visited a council funded Support Hub in Glasgow where advisers from Glasgow Life help people with their claims for Universal Credit.

She said: “I have had cases come to my attention as a MSP. They are heartfelt.

“People who only eat on Tuesdays and Thursdays because they have no money coming in. Starvation is being put on case notes by Citizens Advice Bureaux.” The minister visited the centre in Ibrox as it was heard the UK Government is about to delay the full roll out even further as the problems mount.

Ms Somerville added:“It comes down to Esther McVey, (Work and Pensions secretary), listening to myself and those who have written to her and her predecessors over the years to listen to the people affected and put an end to this.”

The council has allocated £2m to support service to help people with Universal Credit as it is rolled out across Glasgow.

Allan Gow, City Treasurer, said the money was a significant investment from council coffers and was money it would rather be able to spend on services.

However, he said the council couldn’t sit back and blame the Westminster Government and watch people struggle.

He said: “Universal Credit has had a negative impact in other parts where it has been introduced. We can’t stop it and we can’t derail it. We have a serious set of issues to address.”

He said the council built on networks already in place to offer support to people to try and guard against the worst excesses seen elsewhere.