MSP calls for halt to Universal Credit
Taxpayers are being left to foot the bill for problems with Universal Credit, Paisley MSP George Adam warns.
The SNP politician says public cash is being used to pay rent arrears and emergency handouts due to problems with the roll out.
He called for an end to the scheme – with Renfrewshire Council setting £1.6million aside to support claimants.
Mr Adam is also demanding welfare laws be devolved to Holyrood.
He said:“Universal Credit is a broken system – it’s leaving people destitute.
“It is driving kids into poverty and forcing families to rely on foodbanks.
“And these latest eye-watering figures show that Renfrewshire Council has been left picking up the pieces, being forced to shell out a fortune.
“Money is being diverted away from key public services to cover the costs and mitigate the damage caused by this appalling change being imposed by the UK Government on Scotland.
“That is fundamentally unfair. But there’s an easy solution – halt the rollout of Universal Credit.
“Better still, put all welfare powers in the hands of the Scottish Parliament – so we can build a social security system which puts dignity, fairness and respect at its heart.”
Mr Adam warned local authorities have spent almost £25 million to mitigate delays and snags with the Universal Credit introduction.
The Peabody Trust, one of the UK’s biggest housing associations, this week warned more than 100,000 children could face hardship over Christmas.
Families who applied for the benefit last week face a five-week wait for their first payment.
The Department for Work and Pensions insists advances are available.
A spokesman said:“Anyone applying for Universal Credit can get an advance of up to 100 per cent up front, payable on the same day if someone is in urgent need.”
pde@reachplc.com