The Tories Universal Credit is continuing to push North Ayrshire Council tenants into debt.

Since 1^st April 2018, Universal Credit rent arrears have increased by £356,433 meaning the first year of Universal Credit full service has resulted in a whooping rent arrears debt of £729.457 for UC claimants in North Ayrshire Council tenancies.

An incredible 82% of council tenants in receipt of Universal Credit are in rent arrears.

Commenting the Labour Councillor said;

“These figures are a damning indictment of the Tories flagship welfare policy.

“North Ayrshire Labour warned that Universal Credit would have an adverse impact on some of our most vulnerable residents but it is getting clearer all the time that Universal Credit is completely broken.

“Universal Credit is pushing families into debt and that will only lead to an increase in poverty, hardship and anxiety.

“The Tories refuse to publish their impact assessment papers in public but they cannot be allowed to keep ignoring all the evidence. Universal Credit is a tragedy of their making. A political decision to impoverish families, minority groups and the most vulnerable.

“The sooner a General Election is held the better. We need a Labour Government that will put an end to austerity and the misery it is inflicting on our communities.”