Changes to Universal Credit

Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to today's speech by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announcing a number changes to Universal Credit, and the High Court judgment relating to the way that Universal Credit is delivered.

Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Rob Gowans said:

"Whilst the changes to Universal Credit announced today are welcome, there are still many problems that CAB clients experience that need to be fixed.

“These include action to address the long waiting period for a first payment, to provide alternative ways for people to make and manage their claim who are unable to use digital services, and to address the high level of deductions to repay advances which can leave people in hardship for several months. And, as CAS have recently reported, further action beyond today’s announcement is required to prevent the increasing numbers of people accruing rent arrears as a result of Universal Credit.

“It is right that parents of children born before the two child limit was announced should not have their benefits reduced as a result of the policy. However, CAS believes that the two-child policy should be reconsidered in it’s entirety, due to the unfairness and hardship it causes.

“In addition, following today’s High Court judgment, action should be taken as a priority to make sure that people in work don’t lose out on Universal Credit payments because they are not paid monthly by their employers.”