Cut tax scroungers, not benefits, photo Socialist Party Wales

Cut tax scroungers, not benefits, photo Socialist Party Wales   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

The shocking effects of Universal Credit have been revealed by the ordeal faced by one mother this Christmas. Speaking to the Mirror, she explained she has resorted to putting free sugar sachets in her little girl’s stocking after the switch to Universal Credit left her barely able to cope. She hopes she will be able to get hold of a branch to use as a Christmas tree.

She said: “I look out of the window and envy people with cars who are going out, going to the cinema, affording haircuts and new clothes while I struggle to get food every day. Thank you Universal Credit for the extra sadness and pain and hurt.”

Under pressure, the Tories have had to make some concessions and delay the full roll-out (for existing claimants), but we should demand the complete scrapping of Universal Credit and its replacement not with the old benefits system, but with welfare which guarantees everyone a decent standard of living.