MP blasts cuts to benefits

Thousands of Rutherglen residents’ benefits have been slashed during the coronavirus pandemic.

New figures reveal that Rutherglen and Hamilton West is the third hardest-hit constituency in Scotland for cuts to Universal Credit.

The changes – which saw 4200 people lose an average of £53 from their claims – came despite Covid- 19 creating huge financial uncertainty for many households.

The money was deducted in May to repay loans to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

These “advance payments” are often taken out by households to tide them over during the five-week waiting period before Universal Credit is processed and paid.

Other deductions to repay historic debt and ov e r p ayment s w e re suspended in May, but have now resumed, leading campaigners to claim that it will lead to more than £ 1 billion in total being deducted from Universal Credit claims this year.

Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP Margaret Ferrier blasted the move.

She said: “Many people have faced unexpected losses of income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but yet again the DWP chooses to withdraw crucial support for people who are in dire need of financial assistance during this difficult time.

“It is shocking that half of my constituents lost that support during the height of lockdown.

“At a time when reliance on foodbanks has increased dramatically, the DWP should not be demanding money back for loans that people have used to make ends meet.

“Converting advance payments from loans to grants and scrapping the five week waiting period would prevent many more people experiencing financial hardship.”