Extra funding for Universal Credit doesn’t go far enough - Mind
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind has responde to the announcements made by the Chancellor in the budget.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has announced extra funding for Universal Credit in the Autumn Budget. This comes on the back of yesterday’s pledge of increased investment in mental health services. The Government has released some details about the extra money with more information expected to be released alongside the Universal Credit regulations in coming weeks.
We know many people have experienced problems in getting Universal Credit – often facing long waits for any income at all, and when they do receive it, finding they’re worse off than under the previous system. So it’s good that the Government has recognised the need for greater investment in Universal Credit. The problems go much further than just funding, however.
Any day now the Government will bring forward legislation that will give them the power to move three million people from existing benefits to Universal Credit. If the Government continues along their current path, hundreds of thousands of people with mental health problems on existing benefits will be forced to make a new claim for Universal Credit, and in so doing many risk losing their income - and even their homes. We had hoped to see changes to these regulations announced in the budget. We’re urging the Government to change their plans before the legislation is finalised, to create a safety net so that no-one sees their money stopped before or during the move to Universal Credit.
