The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Anger over Universal Credit on roll-out day
Campaigners call for everyone in Fife to take a stand
Everyone in Fife was urged to take a stand against the introduction of Universal Credit on the day the welfare reform was rolled out across the region.
Members of the Fife People’s Assembly and Fife Trades Union Council voiced their anger during a demonstration outside Glenrothes Jobcentre.
They were joined by politicians, including Labour Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley and Fife Council co-leaders David Ross and David Alexander.
Universal Credit, which is paid on a monthly basis, replaces six existing means-tested benefits.
Fears have been raised the new system will plunge thousands of people into poverty because claimants face a six-week delay before their first payment.
Tam Kirby, from the assembly, said: “We’re here to stop this draconian, utterly shambolic attack, not just on the unemployed, not just on the disabled, but on people who are actually in parttime work as well.
“The fact that it’s being launched here in December, and anyone walking into that job centre office now to sign on isn’t going to have any money until January, is a shocking indictment of this country we live in.”
He added: “Every single person in this area is two pay cheques away from having to go into that job centre and be forced to take any work at any time.
“It needs to be resisted by every single person in Fife, in Scotland and in Britain.”
Mr Rowley said: “I can’t understand why you would have a government that would be willing to introduce a policy, knowing that the policy is going to drive tens of thousands of people into poverty.
“Then there’s knock-on effect to public services as more people need support at a time when councils are having to cut back. “We know that people have ended up committing suicide as a result of Universal Credit, so why would the Tories continue?
“I’m delighted that people here in Fife are making clear it’s not acceptable and I hope that the wider public begin to speak out.”
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “The best way to help people pay their rent and to improve their lives is to support them into work and under Universal Credit, people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than the old system.
“We also know that over time people adjust to managing monthly payments and reduce their arrears.
“The majority of people are comfortable managing their money upfront but budgeting advice, upfront benefit advances and direct rent payments to landlords can be provided for those who need it.”