Responding to a new report by the National Audit Office on the
rollout of Universal Credit, Joseph Rowntree Foundation Chief
Executive Campbell Robb said:
“We all want to live in a society where everyone receives support
when they need it, and where there is an anchor to keep people
from being swept into poverty. Universal Credit should, in
principle, offer that support.
“The UK already has a problem with destitution, with more than
one and a half million people in 2017 left unable to feed
themselves, stay warm and dry, keep a roof over their heads and
keep clean.
“There are major design flaws in the rollout of Universal Credit
which have been left unfixed. Delays and sanctions leave people
without enough to live on, and they struggle to pay off debt from
advance payments. That’s not right. This system needs an urgent
overhaul so that people’s essential needs are met without
trapping them in long-term poverty.
“It is also concerning that the NAO can find no clear evidence
that Universal Credit will help to boost the number of people
finding work. The system needs to support people experiencing
in-work poverty too, which is currently rising for families with
children. By increasing work allowances, the Government can help
2.5 million working families and prevent a further 310,000 people
from being pushed into poverty.”
