Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has welcomed the announcement in today’s Budget Statement that the Government will be removing the 7 day waiting period for the benefit, extending the repayment period for advance payments on new claims, and allowing any claimant to get housing benefit for another two weeks following their claim commencing to ensure continuity of rent payments.
Commenting, Steve:
“Universal Credit is an important and positive change to put our benefits system on a sustainable footing and make it fit for the future. However, we need to get it right. I have been pressing the Government for changes to Universal Credit, particularly in reducing the 6 week waiting time. I am pleased to see the Government is listening and making changes that will allow claimants to move smoothly from their previous benefit to Universal Credit and will continue to closely monitor the changes as they roll out to ensure people in Mid-Cornwall are not unfairly affected.”