Mark Whitehead 06 February 2019

Universal Credit claimants are falling behind on housing payments warns Citizens Advice

A cut in the time people have to wait for payment of Universal Credit has made no difference to the number struggling with debt, according to campaigners.

Citizens Advice says half the claimants it sees are in rent arrears or falling behind with mortgage payments despite the waiting time being reduced from six to five weeks.

It says 60% are taking out advances while they wait for payment.

But it also found that changes made by the Government two years ago mean fewer people are falling behind on their bills or going without essentials during the waiting period.

It says only one in six people are now not paid in full and on time, compared a quarter previously.

The report, Managing Money on Universal Credit, is based on the evidence of 190,000 people Citizens Advice has helped.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: 'Half the people we help with a Universal Credit claim are still struggling to keep a roof over their heads while they wait for their first payment.

'Changes to the waiting period for first payment have improved things for many people, but our evidence shows they don’t go far enough.

'Universal Credit must continue to be reformed so it works for all claimants and leaves people with enough money to live on.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Commercial Lawyer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £60.0000 per hour
Commercial Lawyer - Harlow District Council Location, HarlowFull time, Temporary 6 Months £46.78 PAYE / £60.00 UmbrellaClosing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Lawyer - Planning and Highways

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£51,356 to £56,494 + £3000 Market Rate Supplement
Do you want to make a difference to local people? Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Team Manager - Children Looked After

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Up to £62,451 per annum
Team ManagerChildren Looked After S... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner