Mind respond to Work and Pensions Select Committee report
The Government must urgently address problems with UC and make sure that our benefits system works for anyone who needs it.
Ayaz Manji, Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer at Mind says:
“Today’s report from the Work and Pensions Select Committee, highlights serious concerns about the pilot for moving up to 10,000 people from older benefits to Universal Credit, including many people experiencing mental health problems.
“We have repeatedly highlighted our issues with the Government’s plans for moving hundreds of thousands of people to Universal Credit. Starting with a pilot still does not address our fundamental concerns.
"Many people with mental health problems have told us they struggle to read or understand letters from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), while others are unable to negotiate the often complex and labyrinthine process of applying.
"People in this situation could face having their existing benefits stopped if they have not claimed Universal Credit in time.
"This report shows that the DWP still has no idea of how many people are at risk of dropping out of the migration process and ending up without income, through no fault of their own.
“Our social security system should be helping people live independently and keeping people out of poverty. The Government must urgently address these problems and make sure that our benefits system works for anyone who needs it."
