Fife Council has reaffirmed its opposition to the implementation of Universal Credit and has called for the roll out of the welfare reform to be suspended over concerns of the severe impact it will have on individuals and families in the region.

With the roll out of Universal Credit in Fife due to start on December 6, the council said the decision to begin the process prior to the Christmas period means that new claimants will not receive benefits until January.

The council has lent its support to the call for a suspension of the roll out of Universal Credit made by civic Scotland including the Church of Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland, the STUC, SCVO, the Poverty Alliance, the SFHA and Scottish housing associations.

It has also proposed to put in place enhanced arrangements for the alleviation of hardship caused as a result of the introduction of Universal Credit in Fife over the Christmas period and for the longer term.

Fife Council co-leader Councillor David Alexander said: “We are living in a time where there are unacceptable levels of poverty in our society. The roll out of Universal Credit is going to make this even worse.

“It will have a massive impact on individuals and families across Fife who receive benefits, especially in the run-up to Christmas. It’s likely that any new claimants will have to wait six weeks before they get any money, meaning they won’t get anything until January.

Councillor David Ross, Fife Council co-leader, added: “Poverty is an issue that impacts on everyone – from local shops and businesses who have to close because people have little disposable income – to those who find themselves with debt they can’t handle.

“As a council we’re committed to doing everything we can to help people who find themselves struggling as a result of the introduction of Universal Credit over the Christmas period and for the longer term.”