Universal Credit will mean Christmas is ‘a catastrophe’ for families, charities claim

New benefit claimants in Glasgow are facing a “Christmas catastrophe”, according to a charity supporting single parents in Scotland.

One Parent Families Scotland raised fears following the final roll out of Universal Credit for new claimants.

Meanwhile Action for Children warned of “Dickensian levels of poverty“, claiming 100,000 Scottish children will miss out on Christmas basics such as warm winter clothing, fresh food or celebrations this Christmas.

Final job centres

Three job centres in Glasgow – in Castlemilk, Drumchapel and Shettleston – are the last to introduce the benefit, which pulls job seekers allowance, tax credits and housing benefit into one.

Universal Credit has been criticised by charities and campaigners over reports delays of five weeks or more meaning benefits will not be paid until 9 January 2019 for those claiming yesterday.

Advance payments are available but must be paid back once benefits finally kick in.

Families left destitute

Marion Davis, head of policy for One Parent Families Scotland, said: “Delays in payments, administrative errors and problems with childcare payment for parents in paid work have left some families almost destitute.

“Hunger, anxiety, shame – the universal credit catastrophe is hitting single parents hardest of all. We know some single mothers are facing a grim Christmas.”

One parent said she would be forced to borrow from a neighbour to top up the electricity meter, another was unable to afford children’s shoes. Several said buying Christmas presents had become come a “huge worry”.

Call to halt delays

Universal Credit was heavily criticised by UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights Philip Alston during his UK visit last month. He called on the UK Government to halt the delays to payment immediately.

The Trussell Trust has reported food bank use rises by 52 per cent 12 months after a roll out.

Alison Thewliss SNP MP said her Glasgow Central constituents were raising concerns about being left without enough to pay for essentials and how to afford to paying back any advance granted.

“It is likely to leave scores of people worse off,” she added. “The new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Amber Rudd, has said that Universal Credit is working for the vast majority of people.

‘Incredibly ignorant’

“These comments are incredibly ignorant. She should come to Glasgow and listen to the concerns of real people rather than burying her head in the sand.”

A Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) spokesperson said: “No one has to wait for support if they need it and 100% advance payments are available from day one. Scotland has the power to top-up existing benefits, pay discretionary payments and create entirely new benefits altogether.”