Majority of Benefit Claimants Concerned About Welfare Reform

Up to 85 percent of benefit claimants are concerned about the introduction of the government's Universal Credit (UC) welfare system because of a widespread lack of awareness over major changes that are happening to the system.  Over two-fifths (43 percent) of people claiming benefits that will be replaced by UC aren’t aware that their benefits will be affected.  And of those who are aware, over three-quarters (77 percent) said they are not confident that they know how or when it could affect their benefits.  Similarly, over a third (35 percent) of people in England currently receiving council tax benefit said they are not aware that they may be required to pay more or all of their council tax from this April. Over two thirds (68 percent) said that they would have to cut back on heating and food if they had to pay more toward their council tax bill. Read more on 24dash.