No credit

Regardless of whether you think Universal Credit is a good or bad thing, you would have to be the owner of a heart of stone not to feel for Peterborough couple Byran and Amanda Plowman. Under UC their household income

has plummeted by £500 a month, which could see them lose their home.

It’s a classic example of muddled Government policy that could lead to the taxpayer having to shell out £300 a week to provide them with temporary accommodation.

As our American friends would say – do the math. Difficult situations like this, that have a huge negative impact on the lives of people, are not helped by glib statements from well-paid civil servants. A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson told the PT: “Universal Credit is a force for good and it’s working for the vast majority of people.’’

A force for good? That sounds like a very party political statement to me. But even worse than that is the condesending “working for the vast majority’’ comment.

I wonder how that civil servant would feel if they got a call at work saying your house has burned down, but don’t worry because the other houses in your street are fine?