THIS July we have seen the full roll out of Universal Credit across Blaenau Gwent.

Universal Credit is hitting the most vulnerable in Blaenau Gwent and across Wales. We have all heard stories of families facing delays in receiving payment and struggling to get by.

According to the National Audit Office foodbank use in areas where Universal Credit has been rolled out has increased by 30 per cent, compared to a 12 per cent increase in non-Universal Credit areas.

A Universal Credit claimant survey from pensions secretary Esther McVey’s own department shows that four in ten claimants were experiencing financial difficulties, and that 46 per cent of new Universal Credit claimants need help to make their claim online.

We know that some people in Blaenau Gwent, who claim Universal Credit, experience difficulties in managing their finances and struggle with digital access. We also know that, as recently reported by the National Audit Office, local authorities, housing associations and landlords are all seeing an increase in rent arrears since the introduction of Universal Credit.

They also highlighted that the system is lacking in ways to identify vulnerable people, which makes it difficult to see how they are getting the right support when they apply for Universal Credit.

People who are more vulnerable can be offered alternative payment arrangements through Universal Credit, but we are seeing real inconsistencies in the way this is offered to claimants. The Department of Work and Pensions’ own claimant survey indicated that as many as 48 per cent of those surveyed had to request this themselves, rather than being offered it proactively.

I was pleased to see that the Welsh Labour Government has written to the secretary of state for work and pensions to warn the Tories about the impact Universal Credit is having on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Whilst I am deeply concerned about the flaws of Universal Credit and its impact on the most vulnerable people in Blaenau Gwent, I was pleased to see that Blaenau Gwent Council has produced a useful leaflet, signposting people to the appropriate support and digital access across the borough.

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing any difficulties with Universal Credit and need help in finding the appropriate support, then please get in touch with my office on 01495 311160 or email me at alun.davies@assembly.wales and I’ll do all I can to help.