Advice charity warns flaws must be fixed before Universal Credit is rolled out across the country
Universal Credit contains “serious flaws” which are causing serious problems for desperate Scots, new research has revealed.
Citizens Advice Scotland spent the last year analysing the impact of the new system on its clients, finding inherent problems which it says must be fixed before it is expanded rolled out nationally.
The report lists the flaws in three categories: problems in the design of the system, problems in its administration and possible future challenges.
These include delays in payment, unfair sanctions and glitches in technology. Complications could also arise due to the transfer of powers to Holyrood, the charity warned.
The flagship benefits scheme – which consolidates all benefits into one monthly payment - is being gradually introduced across the UK following a series of pilot schemes across the country.
It will gradually be in place for all claimants – including jobseekers, low-income workers, and those unable to work due to illness or disability.
CAS spokesman Rob Gowans said while the principles behind Universal Credit are good, it is inherently flawed.
It is very important now that the government responds to this evidence with practical measures
“Anything that seeks to simplify the system and make it easier and more efficient has to be welcomed. So we have always supported the policy and we want it to work. “We also understand that any new system is bound to have teething problems, and the government was right to roll out it slowly so that these could be identified.
"Our report is published in that spirit. We are presenting the problems we have seen, so that they can be fixed.
“However, it is very important now that the government responds to this evidence with practical measures to improve the system. In the past ministers have been slow to act in fixing such flaws, and often deny their existence, despite overwhelming evidence.
"Universal Credit has a lot of goodwill, and really could make life easier for many struggling households.
“But if the problems we have identified are not addressed, then the system really could cause serious detriment to some of the most vulnerable people in our society."
Meanwhile a report commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions reveals that cutting benefits does not encourage people to try harder to find work.
The study conducted in Oxford found that for every pound reduced from a jobless claimant’s income through housing benefit cuts, their chances of finding work was reduced by reduced their chances of finding work by 2%.
