Universal Credit: How the SNP is helping Glaswegians
Above: City Treasurer, and local member for Canal Ward, Cllr Allan Gow explains how the SNP City Goverment is preparing to help in Glasgow.
Universal Credit – the UK government’s flagship welfare policy – is a new payment to replace several existing benefits, including housing benefit and child tax credits, with one single monthly payment. It’s now being rolled out in Glasgow
City Treasurer Cllr Allan Gow said: "Every town and city across the UK has its own Universal Credit horror story - from massive spikes in demand for foodbanks, to landlords refusing to house claimants because of rent arrears.
The rollout in selected pilot areas is turning into an unmitigated disaster. The in-built minimum six-week delay in receiving the first payment is having catastrophic consequences, with families falling behind in rent payments and increasingly relying on emergency welfare support and foodbanks. If fully implemented, Universal Credit cuts will put 1 million more children into poverty by 2020.
Following the Tories at Westminister's brutal cut of Job Centres in our city, this disastrous roll out shows a UK government that just simply does not care.
At a national level the SNP Scottish government will use limited social security powers to protect people in Scotland, helping between 650,000 and 700,000 households. The changes will mean those on Universal Credit in Scotland can opt to be paid twice monthly and rent can be paid direct to landlords, making it easier for people to manage their money. However, the Scottish government does not have the power to fix the damage being inflicted by a six-week delay in receiving payments.
Here in Glasgow, we want to do everything we can to support people being forced onto this change:
- £2 million project to help Glaswegians transitioning to Universal Credit
- A new network of 19 Universal Credit Hubs, spread across the city
- Free helpline and live webchat
You can find more details about what the SNP City Government is doing at: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=23207
Information sessions in Glasgow North
If you live in Glasgow North constituency (which includes Maryhill, Summerston, Ruchill and Cadder), Patrick Grady MP along with local MSPs and Councillors will be holding information sessions on Friday 5th October
If you need help with Universal Credit
Call the Glasgow helpline free on 0808 169 9901 or visit www.gain4u.org.uk