UC ‘does not work’ – leader
THE leader of the council has said that Universal Credit “does not work” after the number of people claiming has seen a large jump.
The number of people in Rochdale claiming benefits has jumped by nearly 1,000 in just three months according to figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions.
In October last year, there were 12,980 people in the borough on Universal Credit, a number that has now risen to 13,953, a rise of 973 people.
Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Allen Brett, has criticised the system. He said: “People who have it find it difficult to manage.
“Before you had the housing benefit and all the others it worked for them.
“Then it was transferred to one system and the five week wait doesn’t help.
“The other thing is just one bank account in one name because it doesn’t help women who stay at home to bring the children up as it isn’t paid to them directly.
“All I can say is I believe it does not work.”
Ian Mitchell, DWP Partnership manager in Greater Manchester, said: “Universal Credit is helping more and more people in the North West move into work faster and become financially independent.
“It is providing valuable support for families and is helping to transform lives for the better.”
The Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince, said: “Universal Credit is helping to support thousands of people across the North West as they look for work.
“However many people are still not aware of additional entitlements they may be eligible for, such as help with childcare and half price travel on rail and bus services.”