The Government must fix key elements of the Universal Credit application process or millions will fall into hardship in 2019, a new report from Christians Against Poverty.
The report cites the experience of low-income debt clients migrating to the new six-in-one benefit that has caused them threats of eviction, escalating mental health issues and extreme vulnerability.
The debt charity is supportive of the simpler new benefit but warns changes must
Chief Executive Matt Barlow said “It’s obviously a very difficult time for
“As we sit down to our Christmas dinners and presents, we must remember there will be many unable to pay for the basics of life.”
Interviews with debt clients on CAP’s books included one with a woman who described how six weeks with no income left her “dirt poor”.
In the second half of 2018, the charity has seen a 32% rise new clients saying that Universal Credit was the primary reason for their debt problems.