Stop UC before more people suffer, says MP
WEST Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has called on the Government to stop the roll-out of Universal Credit (UC).
She spoke out after conflicting government statements showed confusion over the impact on claimants who will be required to transfer to claiming UC from next year.
UC was introduced in West Lancashire in December 2017.
The next phase will mean nearly three million people over the next four years currently claiming benefits such as tax credits and employment and support allowance (ESA), being required to claim UC instead.
UC has caused hardship for many so far with long waits for initial payments leading to people running up debts, rent arrears or even turning to food banks for help. And almost 30% of claims started for UC are never completed. Ms Cooper said the Government had failed to investigate the reasons for that but the complexity of the online system could be one key explanation.
She said: “The government must stop the roll out of Universal Credit. The major flaws in its design and delivery are pushing many people into poverty rather than protecting them from it.
“The confusion caused by the conflicting statements by the Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary over the past week about whether people will lose out financially as a result will have caused them real concern.
“I know from my West Lancashire constituents that many have lost out financially.
“Despite the evidence we are seeing of the impact of Universal Credit, the Government seems determined to press ahead with the next phase of the rollout.
“I am calling on it to step back from the brink before it is too late and stop the roll out.
“It needs to look at areas like West Lancashire where Universal Credit roll-out has fundamentally and spectacularly failed – leaving residents hungry, cold or homeless – and fix the system or bin it.
“I have written to both Theresa May and Esther McVey pleading with them to fix it or bin it.”
Over the past week there has been controversy over whether people who are required to transfer to UC during the next phase will lose financially.
It was reported that Work and Pensions Secretary Ms McVey had told cabinet colleagues that families could lose up to £200 a month.
Where there is no change in their circumstances they will receive “transitional protection” – an additional payment designed to ensure that they will not be worse off as a result of moving across to claim UC.
But that will only last for two years and could be lost due to a change in circumstances such as a couple moving in together or separating.