Phil Wilson MP has written to David Gauke, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, raising his concerns on the impact the Universal Credit roll out would have on his constituency. Mr Wilson is concerned it will cause hardship for many individuals and families.
In his letter to the DWP, our MP said the six week wait claimants would be subject to would leave many struggling financially, stating ‘It is clear the government are completely out of touch with how people live their lives.’
Mr Wilson argued in the letter that the Government’s decision to pay Universal Credit every four weeks in arrears needs to be seriously reconsidered to avoid people suffering.
The offer of advance payments is not sufficient, and will only cause further financial pressures on households in the future.
He also highlighted the extortionate costs which can be incurred from calling the Universal Credit Helpline, as well as the fact applications can only be done online making it difficult for those who don’t have access to the internet or struggle to use a computer.
In his letter Mr Wilson calls on the Government to ‘make the Universal Credit Helpline a ‘free to call’ line in order to alleviate financial pressure’ as well as asking them to consider the introduction of an off-line application process for Universal Credit.
Mr Wilson said ‘the Universal Credit roll out is an utter shambles and I am seriously concerned about the detrimental impact it will have on my constituents. The fact that the Government are ploughing ahead with this flawed and unfair process is a demonstration of the heartlessness which drives Tory policy making.
Myself, and many of my colleagues, strongly urge the Government to rethink and reformulate the Universal Credit process before families in my constituency and across the country are faced with financial hardship.’
