Councillor warns of impact on families as universal credit is rolled out

CALLS FOR TENANTS TO BE PROTECTED FROM EVICTION

Reporter FEARS are growing that families could be evicted from their homes after the controversial universal credit is rolled out in Northumberland, a councillor has warned.

Coun Scott Dickinson called on Northumberland County Council to ensure claimants would not be evicted or penalised once the policy is introduced later this year.

He said: “Some of us think that families being asked to wait five weeks for money is still an issue which drives families into poverty and debt. It will certainly do that for Northumberland residents.”

But Coun Nick Oliver, the county council’s cabinet member for corporate services, said the local authority was unable to make such a “blanket commitment”, adding: “What I think we will do is work hard across all departments in the council and with all our partners to help everyone through this transition period,” he added.

Universal credit is being rolled out across the country to simplify the welfare system by replacing different benefits for things like jobseeker’s allowance or housing benefit with a single monthly payment.

Championed by some as a fairer, simpler way to deliver welfare, others have criticised the scheme, claiming it often leaves people without any income for weeks. The Government said three million working households would see cash gains from the new benefit system. A couple with two children where one parent earns £30,000 a year would benefit by £425, while a single parent with one child and no housing costs earning £15,000 a year will get £170 more, officials claimed. However, the policy has been widely criticised and some people have claimed it has put households under further financial strain. Some landlords have also said they are under increasing financial pressure to open eviction proceedings against tenants amid a rise in rent arrears associated with the new benefit. Despite the concerns, Coun Oliver said work was already under way to ensure a “smooth transition” for claimants. “A universal credit steering group has been set up and held its first meeting in November last year,” he said. “The group consists of representatives from groups in the council as well as representatives from Arch, health care trusts, Age Concern, the Citizen Advice Bureau and some private sector landlords.” Coun Scott Dickinson