An urgent warning on domestic abuse
FEARS that the UK Government’s flagship vehicle for welfare reform could put survivors of domestic abuse at even greater risk of harm must not be ignored.
Universal Credit is a hugely ambitious change in how benefits are delivered, replacing child tax credit, housing benefit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance and employment and support allowance and the working tax credit.
If the changes succeed in simplifying the benefits system and helping more people achieve financial independence it will rank as a major accomplishment of the Conservative government. When its roll-out across the UK is completed it will support 2.9 million households.
However, any programme of sweeping change cannot be judged a success if it pushes some of the most vulnerable people in society into even greater levels of deprivation and danger.
Groups as respected as Chwarae Teg and Welsh Women’s Aid are deeply concerned about the potential implications of Universal Credit for people who have been abused by a partner. If a single monthly payment goes into the pockets of an abuser this will increase this person’s power over the victim.
There are harrowing accounts of how abusers have sought to control a partners’ life. We must avoid a situation where a mum is denied the cash she needs to pay for some of life’s most basic items and feed her children.
Food banks have provided a vital service in helping people in such a crisis to get by, but the government has a duty to ensure that its reforms do not plunge more women into this dire situation.
The alarm bell is ringing even louder following a hard-hitting report from the cross-party Work and Pensions Committee. Its warnings must be heeded in Whitehall, and its recommendations should be studied with care and an open mind.
The Scottish Government has legislated so payments will be split between partners and the consequences of this move should be tracked closely.
Early champions of Universal Credit had great hopes for how the new system could help the UK’s poorest citizens; their aspirations will be dashed if, as Chwarae Teg claims, design flaws means it is a “threat to women’s independence and financial security”. Nothing should be done which will make it harder to escape abuse.