Universal Credit

MP brings Universal Credit advice from Westminster to West Dunbartonshire

West Dunbartonshire MP Martin Docherty-Hughes joined housing staff from Bellsmyre and Cordale Housing Associations last week to discuss the impending roll out of Universal Credit and the impact it will have on tenants and local constituents.

Published 13 November 2018

Thousands of Scots taking advantage of Universal Credit flexibility

Almost half of those in receipt of Universal Credit in Scotland have chosen for their payments to be paid in a different way when offered the choice by the Scottish Government.

Published 1 November 2018

Committee report echoes SFHA worries over Universal Credit

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has said that a House of Commons committee’s report into the “unacceptable” hardship caused by Universal Credit echoes many of its own concerns with the policy.

Published 29 October 2018

MPs call out DWP’s ‘dismissive attitude’ regarding ‘unacceptable’ hardship caused by Universal Credit

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has persistently dismissed evidence that Universal Credit is causing hardship for claimants and refuses to measure what it does not want to see, according to a committee of MPs.

Published 26 October 2018

Universal Credit ‘income shock’ could drive foodbank use

Foodbank provider Trussell Trust has issued a stark warning to MSPs that Universal Credit could drive in-work poverty and foodbank use.

Published 25 October 2018

Single Universal Credit payments ‘a backward step’ in tackling domestic abuse, say MPs

An influential group of MPs has urged the UK Government to scrap new Universal Credit rules which they claim make it harder for victims of domestic violence to leave abusive relationships.

Published 23 October 2018

Universal Credit blamed for 47% increase in demand for rent arrears advice

Demand for advice regarding rent arrears in Scotland has increased by 47% over the last five years, new evidence has revealed.

Published 18 October 2018

SFHA: More than money required to make Universal Credit fit for purpose

Increased funding will not fix the fundamental problems of Universal Credit delivery as the processes need to be fit for purpose as much as policy, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has said.

Published 17 October 2018

New reports are ‘another damning indictment’ into Universal Credit roll-out

The UK government has come under increased pressure to immediately halt the roll-out of Universal Credit after new reports revealed that struggling homeowners, working single parents and disabled people will be the hardest hit under the new benefits system unless urgent action is taken in the next budget.

Published 15 October 2018

West Dunbartonshire prepares for the arrival of Universal Credit

West Dunbartonshire residents are being urged to use a range of council supports to make sure they are prepared for the arrival of Universal Credit next month.

Published 12 October 2018

Finance secretary in Budget welfare warning to Chancellor

Finance and economy secretary Derek Mackay has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the Scottish Government’s “deep concerns” about the impact UK welfare reforms are having on the people of Scotland.

Published 10 October 2018

Blog: Universal Credit remains cruel and unfair

As Universal Credit continues to roll out across Scotland’s biggest city, Wheatley chief executive Martin Armstrong explains how the housing, care and property-management group is preparing tenants in Glasgow and beyond for the challenges it presents.

Published 5 October 2018