THE TORIES’ universal credit (UC) policy may actually cost more to run than the benefit system it replaces, according to a damning report published today by the National Audit Office (NAO).

The government’s flagship benefits policy — which replaces six “legacy” benefits including jobseeker’s allowance and housing benefit — has been widely criticised as “cruel” and “disproportionate” and for creating a “hostile environment” for claimants.

The NAO has now issued a scathing report, finding that since UC’s introduction there had been an increase in rent arrears and the use of foodbanks.