Angela welcomes Scottish Government amendments to Universal Credit

Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has today welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government has launched two amendments to Universal Credit (UC).

From Wednesday 4 October, recipients of UC will be offered two new ways to help them budget.

People across Scotland making new claims will have the choice of changing the frequency of their payments from once to twice monthly, and to have the housing cost element paid directly to their landlord.

Westminster MP Ms Crawley has continually called for a halt to the roll-out of Universal Credit.

In Scotland, the Government will continue to use the powers it has to make this UK Government policy fairer and less damaging on claimants.

Ms Crawley said: “Universal Credit is failing the people it is designed to support, driving those already struggling further into poverty.

“The six week wait, which can often be longer and is deliberate, is utterly ridiculous.

“People are being pushed into rent arrears, left relying on foodbanks and emergency financial support.

“The Scottish Government have no powers to remove the worst aspects of Universal Credit, however it will take action where it can.

“I welcome the amendments to the legislation, which came into force on the same day my constituency went ‘live’, and again call on the UK Government to fix the huge problems with Universal Credit before they inflict more untold misery on those they should be supporting.”