New benefits system '˜could cause greater hardship' fear

The issue has been highlighted as the next wave of welfare changes are introduced in the town.

Debt experts at Christians Against Poverty (CAP) are voicing concerns that some people could be drawn into greater hardship.

Julia Lillywhite, from the CAP debt centre at Shoreham Baptist Church, said: “Our worry is that some people will be unused to seeing so much in their account and won’t be aware that the security of their home depends on them managing it well – a concern too for local landlords.”

The universal credit system is being rolled out across the country following a small pilot in spring.

The shake-up of the benefits system merges six working-age benefits into one – income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, income support, working tax credit, child tax credit, housing benefit.

Julia explained: “We’re at the very start of the system being gradually introduced.

“When it’s fully implemented, universal credit will bring a lot of changes.

“It will be paid once a month, rather than fortnightly or weekly.

“Housing benefit won’t go directly to the landlord any more, it will go into the claimant’s bank account and in trials elsewhere, this has caused serious problems for some families.”

Government ministers say most people will be slightly better off with universal credit, she said, but it was going to take ‘some getting used to’.

Julia added: “Thankfully, the Government seems cautious about bringing in all the aspects of universal credit, so this gives everyone the perfect opportunity to overhaul their finances and get ready where they can.”

CAP gives free debt help to all, regardless of age, gender, faith or background. The charity also runs free sessions, called The CAP Money Course, to help people learn how to save, budget and spend wisely.

The Shoreham centre, in Western Road, was one of 19 opened by CAP in June, as part of its work helping 20,000 people a year across the country struggling with overwhelming debt.

The service is open to anyone living in Adur and clients are visited in their own home by volunteers, who continue to offer support until the client is debt free.

The debt counselling service helps people to work out fair budgets, negotiate with creditors and understand insolvency procedures.

For more information visit www.capuk.org and for debt help, call 0800 328 0006 to book an appointment with the Shoreham debt centre.