Universal Credit: Tory Peer Criticises 'insane' Wait For Payments

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-41695664/universal-credit-tory-peer-criticises-insane-wait-for-payments

Not only did the Government lose the debate on this issue in the Commons this week, they are losing the argument, even amongst their own supporters.

I confidently expect Mrs May to make another U-turn early next week. Lets see what happens !

[Islay]

Universal credit in itself is a good idea, it makes sense to get benefits from one agency than five.
However as I have said before the government needs to spend money on the systems to run it, they and all previous governments for the last 30 years have not provided complete and working computer systems as they are expensive.
Instead what will happen is they will encourage DWP to fudge it get the money out as Labour did with Tax credits and then will chase up overpayments for years afterwards.

[fiction-factory]

There are all sorts of reasons for the delays- it's not just government intransigence or poor systems. When someone starts a job they have to wait until the end of the month, sometimes the next month, so you could argue that a 4 week wait is not unreasonable, but 6 weeks does seem too long. Even 4 weeks is too long for those who have not bothered or not been able to keep some savings for a rainy day. But there are good reasons fo some delays- sometimes the delays are because people do not provide the required info, or data on other income sources takes some time to arrive. There are some facilities for interim payments and i think more should be done here. But i think UC is a good idea and will eventually be seen as a success- in maybe 5 years' time

[Zacs-Master]

Even the Telegraph are predicting a U turn, although they’re calling it a climb down.

[mikey4444]

Islay....nobody is saying that something like UC isn't a bad idea, but it clearly isn't working properly if so many people are having to wait so long for a resolution to their cases.

I listened to Anna Soubry on Any Questions on Friday night, and she expressed the same views as Lord Wolfson above. But she also obeyed the 3-line Whip, and abstained from voting, although she said that if it happened again, she wouldn't be so easily ordered about, against her will.

[mikey4444]

Zacs...a U-Turn or a climb down ?

It really doesn't matter, as Mrs May will be humiliated just as well, whatever its called. But what welcome news it will be for the millions who are waiting.

[cassa333]

Pretty much as Islay says.

A good idea. Just not implemented properly.

It is a shame really as it would, as far as I can tell, make things easier for claimants if done properly.

[Islay]

Cassa it really would - there is always a delay even with tax credits, as checks need to be carried out and payments need to be made - we cannot just hand out money willy nilly.
Mikey - what is your solution?

[fiction-factory]

This will sound patronising to some but I am not convinced that monthly (or is it 4 weekly) payments are appropriate for a fair number of claimants, many of whom are not the sort who can budget effectively over such a period, especially if they already have debts and/or no savings. UC is the way forward but I think fortnighty may be better - although that may mess up monthly rent/mortgage budgeting. The real answer is to reduce the dependence on benefits but I think it's probably too late

[Islay]

Fortnightly payment will double the costs involved

[fiction-factory]

It will not double the welfare bill though- just maybe the bank charges and the cost of extra computer runs. Why not pay annualy and save even more?

[fiction-factory]

^annually.

[Zacs-Master]

I’m pretty sure the ‘reform’ is aimed at keeping an eye on sole trader businesses who do an awful lot of cash-in-hand work.

[Islay]

Government departments do not have the budget to pay fortnightly unless you are suggesting the sack staff and use that money for the payment runs?

[jim360]

Well, the DWP has been laying quite a lot of staff off in the last seven years or so, what's a few more?

[ToraToraTora]

so you've been howling for a u turn I assume if one is forthcoming you wont be criticising, am I correct?

[jim360]

Depends on the nature of the U-Turn and what follows. But it would be no more unreasonable to criticise May for not removing a policy, then removing it only after a great deal of pressure was applied, as it would be to praise her for boldly ploughing ahead and then to praise her for boldly changing direction.

[mikey4444]

TTT....not sure if that last comment was meant for me but lets presume it was !

Yes, I will be praising Mrs May when she makes this u-turn, and yes, I will be pointing out that it only happened because :::

1...she lost the Commons debate
2...that her colleagues have been asking for it.

[foxspur]

I assume many benefits are paid in some sort of arrears, so the wait should be the net of 6 weeks and the current delay, otherwise you're paying twice. I agree 6 weeks is too long but if you're in work then you may have to wait 4 weeks for your pay.
I would suggest making the delay 4 weeks but giving advance payments for weeks 1, 2 and 3 so that the 4 weeks as a whole even out.

[youngmafbog]

I will be pointing out that it only happened because

3. She has actually listened and understood the problem.

[mikey4444]

YMB....I don't know for sure if there is a U-turn/climb down due next week. Lets hope so.

But if there is, do you not think that losing the debate this week in the HOC will be a significant factor in it coming about ?

Let me repeat....I will be thanking Teresa for any U-turn, as long as it is a genuine change of policy, and not some half-hearted window-dressing to get her Party off her back.