CONTROL over benefits should be devolved to Wales so Universal Credit can be replaced with "a more humane system", a Newport AM has said.

Although the new welfare system has been introduced across the entirety of Wales, earlier this month it was revealed further introduction of the scheme elsewhere in the UK was being put on hold following widespread problems, including some claimants having to wait weeks before receiving their first payment.

And, speaking in the Assembly this week, Newport East AM John Griffiths called on first minister Mark Drakeford to call for the devolution of the welfare system - something the UK Government has so far refused to do - so Universal Credit could be scrapped and replaced.

Speaking during First Minister's Questions, the Labour AM said: "Universal Credit is too often a cruel and inhumane system in practice that causes misery for families and communities, whether it's the waiting times for initial payment and the loan system that accompanies that, or the lack of ability for direct payment to landlords in terms of housing benefit, or conditionality and sanctioning, which is often draconian.

"It often leads to debt, homelessness, queues at food banks, and weeks if not months spent without any income at all.

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"Will Welsh Government consider the devolution of the administration of Universal Credit for a more humane system in Wales?"

Mr Drakeford replied, which he was prepared to "explore the idea", he was concerned there were potential pitfalls.

"There is a history, isn't there, that we're all familiar with, for example in the forced devolution of council tax benefit, where we took on the administration but the UK Government badly short-changed us in terms of the amount of money required for the benefit itself and nothing at all to pay for administration," he said.

He added: "My view is that we ought to explore the devolution of administration.

"We want to do it carefully, but I think the case is made for exploration."

Universal Credit has been fully in place in Wales since last month.