Warning over Botched Roll Out Of Universal Credit

UNISON, the UK’s largest union, is warning the government that its botched roll out of Universal Credit – less than 18 months away – will make it more difficult for low income families to claim much-needed benefits and tax credits. The government wants to combine the introduction of Universal Credit with a shift to administering the service online. But analysis by the union has proved that the very people who rely on benefits and tax credits – those on low incomes - are the least likely to use the internet.   Low income families are also the least likely to be able to afford the cost of calling the 0845 number they will have to ring to access these benefits and tax credits if they can’t apply online. The cost can be as much as 40p per minute from mobiles. The union has emailed every councillor in England, Wales and Scotland, calling on them to take action, as the switch could mean the loss of 20,000 jobs in Housing benefits and tax credits. The union is also warning councils that if things go wrong, cheques don’t arrive and families can’t afford to feed their children, they will turn to their local council for help.  Read more on the Unison website.