Universal Credit needs fixed – now

The history of benefit payments in the United Kingdom is a story of incompetent delivery, hated systems and failed social engineering projects.

The introduction of Universal Credit was a chance to change all that with a modern system devised for simplicity and to smooth the passage from benefits to work.

As has often been the case, the architects of the new payment system had good intentions but they have been let down by the quality of delivery.

Universal Credit is already universally loathed it seems.

Now the National

Audit Office has said that the system has been too slow to roll out, causes hardship, and is not delivering value for money.

Unfortunately for claimants, the problems with Universal

Credit are not just resulting in confusion and hassle. The roll-out is causing real financial misery for many who have experienced significant delays in receiving their payments.

The underlying principles of Universal Credit are admirable. Rolling six systems into one should create a simpler and more efficient process for claimants. Moving people to monthly payments will help people prepare for work.

If the system is not fixed soon, however, any good will be lost as the most needy are sucked into a spiral of ever mounting poverty and debt.

“The roll-out is causing real financial misery for many who have experienced delays”