Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
Report slams universal credit as not fit for purpose

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.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Britain / 17 June 2021
17 June 2021
All eight claimants say Labour acted unfairly by failing to close investigations or revoke their suspension or expulsion
Similar stories
Protesters on Whitehall in London, as Chancellor of the Exch
Features / 6 May 2025
6 May 2025

A new report by Amnesty International pulls no punches in highlighting the Labour government’s human rights violations of those on benefits, says Dr DYLAN MURPHY

A Universal Credit sign on a door of a job centre plus in ea
Britain / 22 January 2025
22 January 2025
Campaigners warn DWP proposals could be counterproductive and create a two-tier justice system
A Universal Credit sign on a door of a job centre plus in ea
TUC Congress 2024 / 10 September 2024
10 September 2024
We need a proper social security system that supports families and provides a proper safety net, writes PADDY LILLIS, calling for the Labour government to lift the cruel two-child benefit cap
A Universal Credit sign on a door of a job centre plus in ea
Britain / 3 September 2024
3 September 2024