Universal Credit

Maureen Cope The deliberate exclusion of social landlords from the Universal Credit system means arrears levels are even worse than was originally feared, according to the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF).

Annie Mauger CIH Scotland has added its voice to growing concerns about the negative social impact and spiralling costs of implementing Universal Credit.

Jeane Freeman Almost £58 million will be spent mitigating the impact of the UK government’s welfare reform on households across Scotland, it has been announced, as Westminster vows to press on with plans for further cuts to housing benefit.

Willie Innes East Lothian Council has called for government action to help mitigate the impact of Universal Credit on people living in the county.

A key parliamentary committee has re-launched an inquiry into Universal Credit after receiving disturbing evidence of the problems encountered by tenants from councils. Heather Spurr believes the UK government should use the opportunity to listen to the concerns of tenants and landlords who are deal

Sandra White MSP Serious systematic problems exist with the new Universal Credit system which will only get worse as a result of the UK government’s planned closure of job centres in Scotland, according to a letter issued by a committee of MSPs.

John Blackwood Private landlords representative John Blackwood encourages people to respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Universal Credit regulations.

Free online support has been launched to help Universal Credit claimants with their personal finances. Money Advice Service’s Online Money Manager is an interactive tool that offers personalised advice to help people make the most of their money while on Universal Credit. It offers help and advice

The UK government’s welfare reform measures are set to cost Dundee’s economy almost £100 million every year by 2021, according to new research. A Scottish Government report, conducted by Sheffield Hallam University in 2013, estimated the impact of welfare reform on the city’s economy annually

Jeane Freeman The Scottish Government’s plans to introduce flexible Universal Credit payments will benefit up to 700,000 households, it has been revealed.

Elaine McHugh Council housing staff across Scotland have welcomed the news that the Scottish Government will use its new welfare powers to allow the housing element of Universal Credit to be paid directly to landlords and to increase the frequency of payments to claimants.

Mary Taylor Last week’s announcement that tenants will have the choice of having the housing element of Universal Credit payments made directly to their housing associations and co-operatives has been welcomed by the Scottish Federation of Housing Association (SFHA) and Shelter Scotland.

Jeane Freeman The Scottish Government plans to use its new social security powers for the first time to increase the frequency of Universal Credit payments and offer to pay housing benefits direct to landlords.

Bruce Forbes Angus Housing Association director, Bruce Forbes, has accused a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) spokesperson of “peddling lies and deliberately misleading the public” to justify the Westminster government’s “brutal” cuts to welfare.

Jeane Freeman Minister for social security Jeane Freeman has expressed strong opposition to the UK government on its proposal to limit the number of children in families who can qualify for Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit.