Universal Credit is causing 'terrible hardship', says Jeremy Corbyn

Labour leader called on the UK Government to halt the roll-out of its flagship welfare reform "before millions of people are made worse off".

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On Nov 11, 2017
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Jeremy Corbyn has called on the UK Government to halt the roll-out of its flagship Universal Credit system, warning the new benefit is causing "terrible hardship" for thousands of vulnerable people.

The Labour leader made his comments during a surprise visit to Consett, Durham, where he met with local Labour MP Laura Pidcock and Citizens Advice staff who are preparing for the roll-out of Universal Credit in the area next month.

Mr Corbyn said people are having to wait at least six weeks to receive an initial payment, and warned that some claimants do not have a computer or internet access in order to make a claim through the online-based system.

He said the UK Government should pause the roll-out while they consult with experts, including Citizens Advice, "before millions of people are made worse off".

Labour Leader, Jeremy Corbyn MP. Photo: Getty Images.

Universal Credit wraps a number of existing benefits and tax credits, including Housing Benefit and Working Tax Credit, into one single monthly payment.

The new system, which is the brainchild of former Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, has faced strong criticism and opposition from charities and politicians on all sides of the political divide.

Mr Corbyn said: “The Government has a great opportunity on Wednesday week, which is the Budget.

“Why don’t they say: ‘We have looked at it, we have listened, we have heard the hardship, we are going to pause the roll out?'”

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During his visit, Mr Corbyn met 18-month-old Callum Smith from Lanchester. Mr Corbyn sparked laughter among the watching crowd as he joked: "Callum’s against Universal Credit too".

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "There’s no reason for people to be without money over Christmas because advance payments are widely available. Our Work Coaches routinely tell people about the maximum advance they can get.

"Last December over 400,000 people were claiming Universal Credit and all payments were made.

"Universal Credit lies at the heart of our commitment to help people improve their lives and raise their incomes. It provides additional, tailored support to help people move into work and stop claiming benefits altogether.

"And it’s working. With Universal Credit, people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system."

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