Helen Whately

People sometimes come to their MP as a last resort. Doing what I can in those tough moments, when someone is struggling to get by, feels like one of the most important parts of my job.

I know people won’t always think of me, so I stay in contact with organisations like Citizens Advice Bureau, jobcentres, housing associations and food banks.

I’ve been contacted by people worried about Universal Credit, the new welfare system combining six benefits into one monthly payment, which is being introduced across the country and has already started for some in this area. I’ve been asking jobcentres and the CAB how it’s going and the feedback has been consistently positive.

Universal Credit is simpler, gives people more financial independence, and means people keep receiving financial support if they take on more work. It also means work coaches in the jobcentre can give people more personal support. For instance, a man with a brain tumour came into the jobcentre recently. He was having an operation the next day. Work coaches spent two hours with him, understanding his needs, and helping him to claim Universal Credit. He got an advance payment that day and was able to go into hospital knowing the right support would be there when he got out.

Universal Credit isn’t perfect, but nor was the previous system and the government is listening and responding to concerns. The helpline is shortly to be changed from 0345 to a Freephone number. There are advance payments for people who need them and the housing benefit part can go directly to landlords if someone is struggling with their finances.

More people in Maidstone will get Universal Credit next summer, and I encourage anyone who encounters problems to contact me and I will do all I can to help.