Stand together

Highland Council is seeking reimbursement from the Westminster government for the costs they have incurred as a result of the implementation of Universal Credits in the Highlands. Highland Council claim to have spent in excess of £2.5 million on extra housing costs and arrears, administration costs and have had a decrease in funding received from the Department of Work and Pensions.

Highland can’t be the only council being affected in this manner; I am sure councils across Scotland have jointly incurred many millions of extra unnecessary expenditure as a result of the UK government’s arrogant insistence on continuing the roll-out of Universal Credits.

The Scottish Government, in an attempt to assist those most severely affected by the roll-out, have introduced flexibilities in universal credit payments and this is also incurring costs.

The Westminster government claim to be listening, saying changes to the system of Universal Credits have been made, giving advanced payments to claimants,

something that should not be needed if the system was fit for purpose. We must take into consideration that those advanced payments are loans which need paid back, driving claimants to loan sharks and more hardship. All 32 councils in Scotland should be joining with Highland Council and demanding recompense from the UK Treasury. CATRIONA C CLARK

Hawthorn Drive Banknock, Falkirk