Latest editorial
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.
DYLAN MURPHY reports that far from helping people back into work, the sanctions regime is inflicting unnecessary trauma on working-class families
Labour will find increases in the state pension age are unacceptable, just as cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, personal independence payments and universal credit are — it needs to change direction immediately, writes PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE
A new report from the Citizens Advice destroys the government narrative about disabled people ‘choosing’ not to work, showing the £3,000 annual cuts will create a two-tiered system based on claim dates rather than needs, writes DYLAN MURPHY
