MP slams benefits changes

CHANGES to the benefits system rolled out in Oldham last week are a disaster and doomed to fail says MP Michael Meacher.

The Oldham West and Royton MP believes there will be widespread problems with Universal Credit — the new benefit which initially will only be paid to single people.

He said: “The vast majority of claims are meant to be initiated and managed online, but benefit claimants are the people most likely not to have a computer or are not trained to use it.”

The Labour MP also fears the changes will be unhelpful for financial planning..

“Payments will be made monthly rather than weekly or fortnightly, which will increase the risk of rent arrears - especially when support for housing costs will be paid direct to the tenant, not the landlord.”

Mr Meacher said disabled children and adults will be given substantially less money, and claimants working on the lowest income and thought not to be looking for more hours or better-paid work could lose their benefits altogether.

“The Government has not yet decided how free school meals or free prescriptions will be managed under Universal Credit, but if eligibility is set at lower income levels than now, many will suffer a substantial cut in income.”

The Chronicle reported last week how Universal Credit is a single payment which has replaced a number of in and out-of-work benefits, including Jobseekers’ Allowance, income support, employment and support allowance, tax credits, plus housing benefit and support for childcare costs with one single payment.