Universal Credit
Highland Universal Credit claimants urged to act ahead of annual rent increase
Seven affordable housing providers across the Highlands are urging tenants claiming Universal Credit to update their claim this April 1 to ensure their entitlement covers their annual rent increase for the year ahead.
Published 26 March 2019
Call for housing element of Universal Credit to be paid to landlords for all claimants
Scotland’s largest membership organisation for landlords in the private rented sector has asked the UK and Scottish Governments to ensure the housing element of Universal Credit is paid directly to private and social landlords for all Scottish claimants.
Published 22 March 2019
SFHA calls for pause to Universal Credit ‘natural’ migration
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has responded to an inquiry by the UK Parliament’s work and pensions committee into Universal Credit ‘natural’ migration by calling for a pause until key conditions are met.
Published 27 February 2019
UK Government admits link between Universal Credit and soaring food bank demand
The contribution of the Universal Credit rollout to an increase in food bank use has finally been conceded by work and pensions secretary Amber Rudd.
Published 12 February 2019
MSPs call for ‘fundamental changes’ to Universal Credit before more claimants are moved over
People due to move from tax credits to Universal Credit face significant issues and a dramatic culture change, according to Holyrood’s social security committee.
Published 7 February 2019
Holyrood to investigate social security and its impact on rented housing
The Scottish Parliament’s social security committee has launched an inquiry into whether the social security system adequately supports tenants in both the private rented sector and social housing.
Published 5 February 2019
Blog: Universal Credit - the story so far
CIH policy and practice officer Sam Lister rounds up all the latest changes to Universal Credit – including some which have slipped under the radar.
Published 1 February 2019
WWHC: Universal Credit has made it ‘almost impossible’ to provide rent options
West Whitlawburn Housing Co-operative (WWHC) is to consult on a proposed rent change for the forthcoming financial year but has blamed Universal Credit for not being able to provide tenants with more than one option.
Published 31 January 2019
Commons committee launches inquiry into ‘natural migration’ to Universal Credit
The UK Parliament’s work and pensions committee is today launching a new inquiry into the process by which people claiming existing benefits move onto Universal Credit if they have a change in their circumstances.
Published 23 January 2019
MP seeks 'crucial' Universal Credit reforms over domestic abuse risk
An SNP MP has urged the UK Government to accept amendments to its Domestic Abuse Bill to tackle the increased risk of financial abuse under the current Universal Credit system.
Published 22 January 2019
High Court finds DWP unlawful on Universal Credit assessments
Four working single mothers have secured a High Court victory against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for the operation of its Universal Credit benefits scheme.
Published 14 January 2019
Tory government scraps two-child benefits cap extension
The UK Government is to scrap its plans to extend a benefits cap to 15,000 families with more than two children.
Published 11 January 2019
Extra funds approved for Renfrewshire food bank after Universal Credit introduction
Renfrewshire Food Bank will receive £30,000 funding to reduce the impact of Universal Credit after councillors agreed to a new three-year financial assistance plan.
Published 6 December 2018
DWP raises awareness of Universal Credit portal for landlords and tenants
A new Universal Credit portal has been launched which allows registered social landlords and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to quickly and efficiently share information for benefit claims, continues to expand to those in the sector.
Published 27 November 2018
Govan Law Centre launches Universal Credit campaign
Govan Law Centre (GLC) has called for a new resilience strategy to challenge the adverse impact of Universal Credit in Scotland.
Published 20 November 2018
