Universal Credit a curse to the poor

THERESA MAY and her Conservative Party are ripping off the poor after it emerged the controversial Universal Credit helpline charges callers up to 55p a minute.

You couldn’t dream up a better way of kicking the poor into destitution. Introduce Universal Credit, make people wait six to 12 weeks for their money and then charge them to call when they have a problem. The results of delays in payment for those with literally no money are hunger, eviction, food banks and loan sharks.

The SNP government also intends to use the new powers over Universal Credit to benefit people in Scotland, and between 650,000 and 700,000 households will benefit from those planned reforms.

The changes will mean those on Universal Credit in Scotland can opt to be paid twice monthly and rent can be paid direct to landlords, making it easier for people to manage their money.

They will also guarantee that disability benefits will remain universal and will not be means tested. They will reform the assessment procedures for disability benefits to end the unnecessary stress caused to applicants. Importantly for thousands of people, an SNP government will stop the revolving door of assessments by introducing long-term awards for those with existing conditions that are unlikely to change.

This SNP government is one which is putting vulnerable people first... while the people of Caerphilly have to pay £25 to get a brown bin to increase recycling levels.

Andrew Nutt Bargoed