Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has called for an immediate halt on the implementation of Universal Credit.
Emma Rogan was speaking after it was announced that the system would be introduced in South Down in May 2018 and NOT Autumn 2018 as initially stated.
Emma Rogan said: “Sinn Féin has repeatedly called for the Universal Credit system to be halted.
“The Universal Credit system is not fit for purpose. It is a policy that is riddled with faults, complications and delays. It is a policy that was supposedly designed to simplify the benefits system, but in reality has caused more hardship and deepened poverty.
“The reality is that Universal Credit is an instrument of the Tory assaults supported by the DUP on the most vulnerable in our society.
“The only answer to the problems associated with Universal Credit is to end Tory austerity and their ideologically driven attacks on our public services.
“Our constituency services have already been contacted by people concerned about the implications of the Universal Credit system and I would call for its immediate halt.”
***
Update On Universal Credit Roll Out From DfC
The Department for Communities (DfC) has reviewed and updated the rollout schedule for Universal Credit in Northern Ireland.
As a result, the rollout phase which was due to complete in September 2018 will now be extended to December 2018.
These changes have been made following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement in the 2017 Autumn Budget of a package of measures aimed at ensuring Universal Credit claimants receive either more or earlier access to payments.
In order to deliver this additional work, the Department for Work and Pensions have extended the national roll out of new claims to Universal Credit to December 2018.
The additional support for claimants and the extension to the national roll out of new claims are welcomed in Northern Ireland and accordingly the Department for Communities has also decided to extend its roll out to complete in December 2018.
To date, Universal Credit is operational in the Limavady, Ballymoney, Magherafelt, Coleraine, Strabane and Lisnagelvin areas. It will commence in Foyle and Armagh from 7 February, Omagh and Enniskillen from 21 February, and Dungannon and Portadown from 7 March, as originally planned.
The extended implementation timetable is outlined below:
16/05/2018 Newry, Downpatrick
30/05/2018 Lurgan, Newcastle, Kilkeel
13/06/2018 Falls, Shankill
27/06/2018 Andersonstown, Banbridge
05/09/2018 Holywood Road, Ballynahinch
19/09/2018 Newtownabbey, Newtownards
03/10/2018 Shaftesbury Sq, Carrickfergus
17/10/2018 Knockbreda, Bangor
31/10/2018 Lisburn, Larne
14/11/2018 North Belfast, Cookstown
05/12/2018 Ballymena, Antrim
The phased approach to implementation is helping to ensure that the Universal Credit service is working as anticipated and that claimants are coping with the move to a digital service. To date, approximately 1,500 claims have been received, of which 500 have now reached the end of their assessment period and are in payment. In addition, 700 advance payments have also been made to support claimants.
Further information on Universal Credit and the rollout schedule is available on:
nidirect(external link opens in a new window / tab).
Universal Credit replaces Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based), Employment Support Allowance (income-related), Income Support, Housing Benefit (rental), Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits for people aged over 18 and under State Pension age.
New claimants will be the first to claim Universal Credit in each rollout area, and existing claimants will transfer to Universal Credit between July 2019 and March 2022. Some claimants will naturally move to Universal Credit earlier, where their circumstances have changed.
