DWP warned Universal Credit roll-out will cost lives this Christmas

Council figures from Dundee and Fife voice grave concerns over effect reform will have on vulnerable people at this time of year

“Scrooge” Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bosses have been warned rolling out Universal Credit over the festive period could lead to a sharp increase in suicides this Christmas.

The introduction of the new system, which replaces six existing means-tested benefits, has prompted fears thousands of Scots could be plunged into poverty as they endure a six-week wait for payments to come through.

David Alexander, co-leader of Fife Council, said officials are already “preparing for disaster” this winter and warned many people could face a “really tough time” under the new rules.

Dundee City Council’s finance spokesman, Baillie Willie Sawers, warned the payment delay is placing a “great strain” on some of the city’s most vulnerable people and admitted the roll-out has been a “huge concern” for the authority.

Mr Alexander confirmed councillors in Fife have already approved plans to appoint 30 permanent full-time welfare support workers to be on the “front line” of the issue.

He said: “It’s disastrous and truly awful to roll this out at Christmas, the coldest time of the year, and really I’m reminded of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol – although at least he changed his mind in the end.

“It’s scary because the suicide numbers are rising – of course, the Government denies it but there are enough stories out there to justify a link between what’s happening and these policies.”

Mental health campaigners have called on the UK Government to halt the implementation of Universal Credit in Scotland until such issues have been addressed.

Baillie Sawers said: “I fully support the calls from organisations such as the Scottish Association for Mental Health to halt the roll-out until a sensible payment system can be put in place, which takes into account the needs of the claimants.

“At the coldest time of year there are also concerns about how people will be able to heat their homes and afford to put food on the table.

“The Westminster Government needs to reflect on the real hardship this is causing.”

A DWP spokeswoman said: “Anyone applying for Universal Credit has access to advance payments within five working days, and on the same day in urgent need, so there is no reason anyone should be without support over Christmas.”

She added: “Anyone who is worried about applying for Universal Credit can get support from their Jobcentre or can call the free helpline with any questions.”

Pictures: Steven Brown. Top: Fife Council co-leader David Alexander speaking to protesters at a demonstration outside the Jobcentre in Glenrothes. Above left: Some of the Glenrothes activists. Above right: A demonstrator making his thoughts known in Dundee.