SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
The migration roll-out which began on October 16, 2023, will require thousands of households to apply to the Universal Credit system which usually involves setting up and managing an online claim and may leave claimants waiting up to 5 weeks for their first payment
Said the Foyle MLA: “The timing of this move is outrageous. Many households in receipt of Tax Credits have already received their migration notice letters asking them to begin the move to Universal Credit move.
“This is a complex system and without appropriate support to navigate problems, the consequences could be serious for claimants resulting in distress, budgeting difficulties and debt.
“The five week wait for payment will force low-income households to budget right into the month of December ahead of the Christmas period.
“Most household bills, including electric and heating costs, spike at this time of year with children home from school.
“The continued cost of living crisis has left families worried about not being able to afford Christmas and the grim reality is that many parents will have to explain why Santa may not be visiting this year.
“The move to Universal Credit comes as yet another blow to household finances.
“I can’t understand why any government department would see fit to roll out this complex, cruel system at such an inopportune time.
“The unavoidable reality is that the economic and social make-up of the North leaves this region particularly vulnerable to the worst impacts of Universal Credit.
“The prevalence of bigger families here will see many households stripped of money as a result of the two child policy and the nature of UC will also have a disproportionate impact on self-employed workers who may see a fluctuation in their monthly income, particularly those who receive extra work around the Christmas holiday period.
“While transitional protections will be in place to limit this impact, I fear this support does not go far enough.”
Mr Durkan added: “The SDLP voted against Welfare Reform, yet despite those warning Sinn Féin, the DUP and Alliance voted to hand welfare powers to a Tory Government who has never had the best interests of the North in mind.
“It is horrible to see our predictions come to pass.
“The absence of an executive has stripped people from critical support and will push families already on the breadline, into poverty.
“I would urge people to seek independent advice before making the move to Universal Credit and stress that they should not migrate before receiving their letter as they could lose out on transitional protections.
“Where possible, I would advise those who have received a migration letter that to hold off on any action until after the Christmas period.
“Poverty isn’t just for Christmas and our communities will require support well into the new year.
“I’ve written to the Department of Education, given the situation, urging intervention to provide a holiday hunger payment for children at this critical juncture.”
Tags: