On the 26th October the new ‘Universal Credit’ system will go live in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire. This new system, which replaces the old Job-Seekers Allowance, will help out of work people in our area and the rest of the country with more than just money to live on whilst out of work. It is coming in to help people be fit for work and to make work pay.
Universal Credit will be paid out monthly, rather than fortnightly like Job-Seekers was, and this will help people manage their money, budget for the long-term and prepare them to start work. However the government and the Department for Work and Pensions recognises for a few people it may take time to adapt to being paid monthly just like salaries are, therefore, if needed, people will be able to apply for ‘Hardship Loans’ to help get them to the next payment. Since coming to government in 2010 we have not only sought to change the way in which welfare is paid out so as make sure that work always pays better than a life on benefits, but it has also been to change the culture and mind set of welfare which thirteen years of Labour trapped thousands of capable people in poverty.
The new out of work benefit is being rolled out incrementally, first to single people (people on their own with no dependants) to make sure any problems are ironed out in the system and then to all claimants by 2017. This is being rolled out in the same way that ‘Personal Independence Allowance’ (PIP) is replacing the ‘Disability Living Allowance’ and so far this new system is working well and is not causing problems for disabled people. I recently met with our local Jobcentre team to discuss the progress of PIP and the incoming Universal Credit and they have assured me they are all fully trained and briefed on the new system to be able to help anyone who needs advice or information. The whole ethos is about help and advice and signposting claimants to find good jobs and standard of living. Furthermore the Jobcentre is putting in place plans to increase the amount of computers and equipment they have available to help people with their applications and paperwork. As always South Derbyshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is also ready to help and give support to residents who might experiencing any teething problems. Team work again.
I would encourage people who are worried about these changes to the welfare system not to be afraid or concerned as the government is taking every step necessary to make the transition as smooth as possible, and I look forward to seeing this become a reality.
(This piece was originally written for the Burton Mail).