As we head into May, we will be seeing the full roll out of
the Universal Credit benefit (UC) to the St Austell and Newquay constituency
and indeed across Cornwall.
Universal credit is a new benefit being gradually introduced
across the UK, replacing means-tested benefits and tax credits for working-age
people.
There have been issues with its administration since it
started going live, but this is why the government has taken it slowly. I am
pleased to see the Department for Work and Pensions has listened to feedback
from myself and other MP colleagues and acted accordingly meaning the UC we
have now is much improved over previous proposals.
Recent figures show the employment rate is at a joint record
high, the unemployment rate is at its 40-year low, and the rate of women in
work is at a record high, meaning more people are able to provide for their
families, but there is still more to do to make the economy work for everyone.
The benefits system the Coalition Government inherited in
2010 was incredibly complicated, with many conflicting rules and systems
meaning it was hard to make work pay and ensure everyone claiming benefit got
what entitled to.
Universal credit seeks to roll many existing benefits,
currently paid separately at different times by the Department for Work and
Pensions, HMRC and local authorities such as Cornwall Council into one benefit
paid monthly.
Its aim is to simplify the benefits system, make it more
efficient and increase the incentives for people to work rather than stay on
benefits – making work pay.
One particularly positive aspect of UC is that there are no
limits on how many hours a week you can work if you’re claiming it. Instead,
the amount you get will gradually reduce as you earn more, so you won’t lose
all your benefits at once. This is a good thing, as with many of the benefits
that UC is replacing, there was an abrupt cut off point if you worked more
hours and earned more than a certain amount, which led to people being forced
to stay on benefits instead of returning to work as they would not have been
better off financially once their benefits stopped. In areas where UC has been
rolled out we have seen an increase in people getting into work and working
more hours which clearly has to be a positive outcome both for the individuals
and the country.
For anyone already receiving one or more of the benefits
universal credit will eventually replace, there won’t be any change
immediately. Eventually, existing claimants will be moved onto universal credit
by the Department for Work and Pensions even if there has been no change of
circumstances. This process is currently planned to happen between 2019 and
2022.
I will be closely watching the rollout of UC as it
progresses and will work with the Department for Work and Pensions both locally
and in Westminster with Ministerial colleagues to ensure it goes as smoothly as
possible.
Should anyone encounter difficulties with their claim for
UC, then I will be happy to help by looking at cases and making representations
to the Department for Work and Pensions if appropriate.
My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and
work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing support.
The office is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm (no appointment
necessary). If there is an issue you would like my assistance on then please,
either visit the office or contact me on either 01726 829379 or
office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only,
advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
