Tom Brake and the Lib Dems demand pause to Universal Credit roll-out

Tom Brake and the Lib Dems are calling on the Government to pause the roll-out of Universal Credit, which is causing hardship for millions of families.

In the full (digital) service areas like Sutton, 1 in 3 claimants waited more than the mandatory 6 weeks and 1 in 10 waited more than 10 weeks, causing significant debt and rent arrears.*

There have been issues with the safety net arrangements for claimants struggling to pay landlords directly, leading to rent arrears and eviction threats, and the problem is only expected to get worse when the roll-out accelerates elsewhere in the country in October.

Tom Brake and other Lib Dems are demanding that the roll-out be halted and reforms, including ensuring those moving to Universal Credit are made aware of the advance payments available and reducing the wait at the start of a claim to the minimum, be implemented.

Tom Brake MP said:

“The accelerated roll-out of Universal Credit shows the lack of compassion the Conservative party has for millions of ‘just about managing’ families, who are disadvantaged and entering the workforce. The roll-out must be paused and reforms introduced that boost incentives to work and protect families who depend on Universal Credit.”

ENDS

* CAB report Universal Credit and Debt published in September