Gavin Newlands MP criticises Tories for continuing with Universal Credit rollout

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has responded with dismay that the Tory UK Government have reaffirmed their commitment to rollout the much maligned Universal Credit.

At the Conservative Party Conference, Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke stated that the rollout of Universal Credit will continue as planned, this is despite overwhelming opposition across the country, including mounting criticism from Tory backbenches.

Universal credit is the flagship reform of the Tory UK Government and combines six benefits (including unemployment benefit, tax credits and housing benefit) into one, online-only system.

Universal Credit is due to be fully rolled out across Renfrewshire in March 2018.

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“The Tory UK Government are so detached from reality if they can’t accept the evidence of the pain that Universal Credit inflicts on the most vulnerable in society. This includes claimants having to wait up to six weeks to receive payment, pushing them further into debt, forcing them to rely on food banks and in some cases making families homeless.

“This flawed benefit is due to be rolled out across Renfrewshire early next year and already this is causing a lot of stress for local people.

“The UK Government’s selfish, stubborn and reckless refusal to listen to its own staff, experts, charities, those affected and even its own MPs shows their aim is not to help people but to cynically cut support from those who need it most.

“The UK Government has to change direction and halt the rollout of Universal Credit in Scotland.”