Universal Credits Row

Calls to suspend universal credits are intensifying as devolution talks continue.

A number of bodies say the implementation of the system should be halted until the Smith Commission puts forward plans for further devolution.

A similar call by deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was rejected recently by the UK Government.

Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Mary Taylor said:

"In the latter stages of the referendum, assurances were given by the leaders of the three main UK political parties that there would be devolution of further powers to Holyrood. While the Smith Commission deliberates, with a view to a draft Bill in January 2015, it is entirely possible that welfare will be among the powers to be considered for devolution. If some or all of these powers were to be devolved, there would need to be significant reverse adjustments to Universal Credit. The latest DWP proposal is to accelerate the roll out of Universal Credit to all new single claimants from early next year.
 
"If Universal Credit was to be rolled out in Scotland imminently, and aspects of welfare were then devolved to Scotland, many benefit recipients (including tenants of social landlords) would inevitably be caught up in a messy process of rolling back Universal Credit. The SFHA has long supported in principle having a welfare system that is fair and simple.  Any new system of welfare also has to be safe and secure. A rushed approach puts at risk the incomes of the poorest and most vulnerable in our society, especially if it subsequently had to be unpicked. The legacy of the poll tax lives on to this day, let's not repeat those errors."