SINN Féin’s Raymond McCartney has said the British government’s budget announcements on Universal Credit are too little too late for those already suffering from Tory-DUP backed cuts to welfare.
The Foyle MLA said: “The changes to Universal Credit announced by the British Chancellor come much too late for families struggling with years of relentless attacks on benefits.
“Most of the inherent problems with Universal Credit have not been addressed. No benefit should start as a loan regardless of when you’re forced to repay it.
“A five week delay for the first payment of Universal Credit will do little to prevent more people being driven into hardship. This waiting period should be scrapped immediately.
“£1.5 billion returned to a benefits system already decimated by Tory cuts is nothing but a sticking plaster.
“The serious flaws at the heart of Universal Credit remain. It’s implementation should be stopped immediately,” he added.
