Universal Credit
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
Universal Credit flaws leaving claimants losing out on ‘hundreds’
Low-income households are losing out on hundreds of pounds a year because of a failure of the Universal Credit system to indentify how and when to pay claimants, a charity has warned.
Published 7 August 2018
Three associations work in partnership to deliver benefits for Greater Easterhouse tenants
Blairtummock Housing Association, Gardeen Housing Association and Provanhall Housing Association are working in partnership with Connect Community Trust to provide a new welfare rights service for tenants.
Published 26 July 2018
Administration of Universal Credit branded ‘shambolic’ as tenant's rent sent to wrong landlord
A housing association director has described the arrangements put in place by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for the introduction of Universal Credit as “shambolic”.
Published 13 July 2018
UK housing bodies warn ‘flawed’ Universal Credit is causing debt and hardship for families in social housing
The four UK housing federations have issued a joint call to the UK government to reform the “flawed” Universal Credit system which they say is causing debt, suffering and hardship for the families they house.
Published 10 July 2018
Minister apologises over ‘inadvertently misleading’ parliament over Universal Credit
Work and pensions secretary Esther McVey has been forced to apologise after being criticised by the national audit watchdog for making “incorrect” claims about Universal Credit in Parliament.
Published 5 July 2018
Damning report finds Universal Credit 'may never deliver value for money'
A damning report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has concluded that Universal Credit has not delivered value for money and it is uncertain that it ever will.
Published 15 June 2018
Scottish Borders Council and partners brace for Universal Credit Full Service roll-out
Scottish Borders Council (SBC) and partners are working together to provide information and advice to residents on the Department for Work and Pensions’ roll out of Universal Credit (UC) Full Service in the Borders, which began yesterday.
Published 14 June 2018
Discretionary Housing Payments increase ‘reveals pressure faced by Scottish households’
A 7% increase in the number of applications for financial assistance towards housing costs made by households claiming housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit show the increased pressure faced by households across Scotland, Shelter Scotland has warned.
Published 23 May 2018
Wellhouse Housing Association hosts four Federations in Glasgow
Wellhouse Housing Association welcomed the National Housing Federations of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England last week to discuss tenant led boards and the possible impact of the full roll out of Universal Credit (UC) as part of a UK nations information sharing event.
Published 21 May 2018
