Universal credit

• UC claimants lose ‘hundreds of pounds’ due to assessment timing

  Many Universal Credit claimants are losing hundreds of pounds each year because their payday falls too close to their assessment date, a charity has revealed.

  

• Universal Credit could increase risk of domestic violence, MPs warn

  Paying the Universal Credit benefit to a household rather than individuals could increase the risk of domestic violence, MPs have warned.

  

• Universal Credit system ‘too complicated’, charity says

  Universal Credit claims ‘falter’ due to a complicated process and a lack of support, a charity which supports claimants has found.

  

• Housing bodies warn of increase in Universal Credit rent arrears

  Nearly three-quarters of households on Universal Credit are in rent arrears compared to 26% of all households, new research has revealed.

  

• Universal Credit is a ‘flawed’ system, housing organisations warn

  A group of housing organisations yesterday warned that Universal Credit is ‘flawed’ and is causing debt, suffering and hardship for millions.

  

• Work and pensions secretary apologises for ‘misleading’ Universal Credit claims

  The work and pensions secretary Esther McVey has been forced to apologise for making misleading statements about the roll-out of Universal Credit.

  

• Understanding your citizens to beat the Universal Credit challenge

  Local authorities and social housing providers must use data to provide a faster and more efficient service for the citizens they serve, says Gary Bell.

  

• Minister claims UC claimants ‘happy with service’ despite criticisms

  A minister has defended Universal Credit against damning criticism from auditors, describing it as ‘an agile, adaptable system, fit for the 21st century’.

  

• Universal Credit could put domestic violence victims ‘at further risk’

  Reforms to the welfare system could increase women’s vulnerability to financial abuse, a new report has argued today.

  

• DWP under fire over Universal Credit

  Auditors have heavily criticised the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for the design and implementation of Universal Credit.