‘Complete shambles’

The Tories botched roll out of a new benefit system will continue the government has said, despite cross-party warnings that it is leaving people without cash for months.

Unite has demanded that Universal Credit, which replaces six benefits including working tax credits and jobseekers’ allowance with an all-in-one payment, be halted.

Labour has also called for it stopped and 12 Tory MPs have written to work and pensions secretary David Gauke, warning him that people who are being switched onto the system are having to wait as long as three months before they receive their benefits.

Despite the concerns, Gauke told the Conservative conference, “The roll out will continue, and to the planned timetable.”

The Tories’ mishandling of the project has led to it being delayed seven times, however the system is still beset by problems.

Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner today (October 3) sent a letter to Gauke on behalf “of ten of thousands of Unite members who will be adversely affected by the roll out of Universal Credit.”

Turner wrote, “Without the necessary changes, Universal Credit will inflict unacceptable and unnecessary suffering for all those who are forced to claim it.”

Turner urged Gauke to delay the roll out until a number of changes are made, including stopping the six week minimum waiting time for the benefit to be paid.

The government has admitted that the roll out is leaving people high and dry, but the only concession it has offered to claimants are partial advance payments from the Department of Work and Pensions.

Labour MP Laura Pidcock said advance payments will still leave people unable to pay the bills.

She said, “That is absolute rubbish, the advance payment is only half what people are meant to get. What are they supposed to do, pay half their rent?

“It will reduce the pain slightly but it will not stop the exacerbation of debt and poverty.”

Citizens Advice and food bank charity Trussell Trust have both said they have seen an upswing in people left penniless and needing help due to delayed Universal Credit payments.

Head of Unite Community Liane Groves said, “The Tories have completely mishandled Universal Credit at every step of the way. It’s a complete shambles. Claimants are being left in the lurch for as long as three months.
“The evidence from debt charities and food banks shows the effect this is having: Families are going hungry, are unable to pay their bills and going into debt because of the government’s ineptitude.

“The Tories cannot just ignore the fact they are throwing people’s lives into disarray. Universal Credit needs to be stopped immediately before anymore damage is done.”