Benefit that’s no credit to anyone
Those on Universal Credit are not only faced with a wait of six to 10 weeks to get their money, but because payments taper away at 63p for every pound claimants earn, they get just over £2 an hour if they find minimum-wage work.
In a part-time job with travelling expenses, people can still be worse off in work than they are staying on benefit, completely defeating the aim of Universal Credit.
The Government needs to increase the amount people can keep if Universal Credit is to work properly. However, with inflation at 3%, a bigger problem is the Tories’ four-year freeze on benefit rates.
This not only affects those on Universal Credit and JSA, but single parents on Income Support, carers and those on ESA.
Brett Grainger, Rugeley, Staffs
#Surely there is a simple answer to the issue of Universal Credit. People only need in-work benefits because wages are far too low and bills too high. Therefore, it makes sense for workers to be able to earn a decent living wage. Increase the minimum wage to a more realistic level – to at least £10 an hour – and create secure employment by abolishing all shortterm contracts. Plus, bring all the utility companies back under state control with a maximum salary of £200,000 for the senior executives. Prices could be halved at a stroke.
John Hutchison Ipswich, Suffolk
#Oh, the irony! While MPs debated the Universal Credit vote last week, the Tories issued social media posts asking for suggestions on reducing problem debt.
There is a remedy, of course – just pause the Universal Credit roll-out and fix the problems, or scrap it altogether.
Gary Martin, East London
#In a recent Real Britain column (October 20), Universal Credit worker Alex spoke about claimants reacting with confusion and disbelief when told there is no help for their hungry children and how he struggles relentlessly with a 300-case workload in a dangerously understaffed office.
David Gauke described Universal Credit as compassionate, practical and inspirational, but Alex – unlike the uninformed Mr Gauke – has witnessed first hand the clear devastation and heartbreak it brings, and more accurately described it as bleak and chaotic.
Eric Thorpe Salford, Gtr Manchester
#Is anyone really surprised David Gauke didn’t turn up to the debate on Universal Credit called by Labour?
The Tories simply don’t care about people’s suffering as long as the benefits bill is slashed. The whole system needs scrapping.
D Faulkener, Middlesbrough
#It was good to watch passionate Labour and SNP MPs expose the cruel and heartless Universal Credit and its effect on the most vulnerable in our society. Don’t let Tories tell you they are caring.
Michael Elias Carmarthen As the Tories consider themselves to be the party of business, it’s odd that our country is in such a state at the moment. Universal Credit appears to be an unmitigated mess, and nothing appears to be happening on Brexit. A lot of nonsense is being spewed out by ministers. Where is it all going to end for the weak and wobbly Mrs May?
Frank Durr Lancing West Sussex