THE SDLP’s Mark H Durkan has called for the ‘failing’ and ‘cruel’ scheme of Universal Credit to be scrapped.
The Foyle MLA said he fully agrees with former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s assessment of Universal Credit as this Tory Government’s new poll tax.
Gordon Brown is the latest in a string of high profile characters to call for the roll out of Universal Credit to be abandoned.
“Gordon Brown’s description of Universal Credit as the new Poll Tax is absolutely right. Just like the poll tax, Universal Credit is plunging people and children into greater poverty and despair.
“As pointed out in the recent scathing National Audit Office Report, a survey of claimants by the Government’s own Department for Work and Pensions found that Universal Credit was pushing four out of every ten claimants into greater financial hardship.
“And yet in the face of these facts and in the face of this evidence from the advice sector, faith leaders and now a former Prime Minister, this British Government seem determined to plough on with the roll out of this flawed and cruel system.”
He added: “My constituency office and other advice agencies are currently inundated with harrowing stories from individuals about the disastrous repercussions of Universal Credit.
“It is clear the system is financially crippling families and increasing hardship among communities who are already struggling.
“We are seeing increased levels of homelessness, debt and an increased reliance on food banks as a direct consequence of Universal Credit. It needs to be scrapped.
“The UK government needs to step up and do the right thing- put a stop to this failing scheme which is spiralling out of control.”
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