‘Scrooge’ warning over online benefits

The roll-out of an online claims system for Universal Credit in November could have a “Scrooge effect” and leave families penniless at Christmas, former minister Frank Field has claimed.

The Labour MP has written to Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke to express fears that expanding the operation to 27 more local authority areas at that time of year could add to hardship already caused by delays in payments.

“Such a revolutionary transition to the full service shortly before Christmas risks leaving large numbers of families without money, and faca ing misery, over the festive period,” he wrote.

“It is not inconceivable that a family with children making a new claim in mid-november could be left without money on Christmas Day, even if the system processes their claim as planned.”