Corbyn: Helpline should be free
JEREMY CORBYN has demanded that Theresa May stop charging struggling Universal Credit claimants 55p per minute for calls to Government helplines.
The Labour leader called for the Prime Minister to display some “humanity” and at least drop the premium rate charges as he called for the roll-out of Universal Credit to be abandoned.
The outrageous practice was exposed by the SNP’s Glasgow MP Chris Stephens.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Corbyn said the new benefits system, streamlining several benefits into one, has plunged families into poverty and homelessness.
Universal Credit has proved controversial because one in five people are forced to wait more than six weeks for their first payment.
Corbyn said: “I urge the Prime Minister to pause Universal Credit and stop driving up debt, poverty and homelessness – that is what it does.”
He added: “Will the PM show some humanity and at least make the helpline free?”
May wouldn’t be drawn on the cost of the helpline but insisted: “I do want to get people into work. I want people to get on without government support.”
Citizens’ Advice Bureau said calls to the helpline cost 9p a minute from a landline, and between 3p and 55p depending on which mobile network is used.