STIGMA OVER SOCIAL SECURITY MUST END
SNP MSP Clare Adamson has called on the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to review its processes to ensure accuracy, fairness, and proper safeguarding measures for vulnerable claimants.
Direct Payments from Universal Credit to third parties, such as energy companies, have come under scrutiny due to errors in debt calculation and the failure to address underlying issues effectively.
Today in the Scottish Parliament, the MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw raised issues being faced by her constituents caused by DWP errors in debt calculation.
Ms Adamson also emphasised that stigmatisation and discrimination over social security is causing vulnerable people to miss out on crucial financial entitlements.
Ms Adamson said:
“A number of my Motherwell and Wishaw constituents have been unfairly penalised by opaque and flawed DWP processes and errors in debt calculation.
“Some examples include errors with meter readings and faulty smart meters leading to financial difficulty when Universal Credit payments are deducted to pay energy companies directly.
“There seems to be a basic lack of oversight to ensure that the debts being paid via Universal Credit deductions are accurate.
“People on low and insecure comes cannot afford these mistakes. Financial difficulties cause real problems for physical and mental health. Where is the safeguarding?
“The Labour Government must urgently review the Direct Payment system because errors and unfair deductions are putting an enormous burden on my Motherwell and Wishaw constituents.
“When the DWP identifies an error, it should take immediate action to ensure vulnerable people are protected.
“The stigmatisation and discrimination of social security must end. People are reluctant to apply for their entitlements and suffer financial hardship as a result. And rising levels of in-work poverty are leaving people with little protection.
“In Scotland, under the SNP, we have built a social security system based upon the principles of fairness, dignity, and respect.
“But we only have limited powers in this area and most of the social security system is still reserved to the UK Government.
“We need accuracy, fairness, and proper safeguarding for vulnerable claimants. Social security is a right and a basic safety net.”
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