Charity hits out at Universal Credit impact
A charity which helps people with physical and mental health challenges said Universal Credit is hitting the most vulnerable in our communities.
The Council on Disability helped 450 people between April 2018 and March 2019, mainly offering support in accessing benefits and attending tribunals on behalf of those whose claims for financial help have been turned down.
Dianne Jackson, the charity’s secretary, said: “Universal Credit is causing a lot of stress and the system is not running terribly smoothly, because there can be huge delays in payments, inaccuracies in information and assumptions that people are computer literate when a lot of them are not.”
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A Strathblane pub and restaurant has closed its doors, with the owners blaming difficult trading conditions.
The Blane Valley Inn closed on Sunday “for the foreseeable future” with local businessmen Sandy, Stuart and David Fraser putting it up for sale or lease.
This week, father and son Sandy and Stuart told the Observer they and their staff had worked hard over the last two years but had been unable to secure a future for the business.
Plans to build accommodation pods on the site attracted objections and the owners have been the subject of some social media backlash.
“For some time, the costs of running The Blane Valley Inn have been far greater than the income received,” said Sandy. “During the last year, we have been seeking new ways to ensure a secure future for the business.
“The pods would have provided much needed accommodation for walkers and cyclists on the John Muir Way and helped to deliver long-term financial viability.”