Universal Credit isn’t working for Rochdale, says Council leader Richard Farnell

Councillor Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Borough Council

Council leader Richard Farnell has joined the growing call for the government’s new benefits system, Universal Credit, to be halted.

The scheme, which rolls several benefits into one payment, is due for a country-wide roll out next Spring, but critics say controversial issues surrounding Universal Credit need sorting out first.

Councillor Farnell said: “I hope the government listens to this growing wave of criticism. It’s not as if it’s partisan; politicians and organisations from across the political divide all agree it needs stopping now.”

It has been estimated that as many as 11,000 Rochdale families will be affected when Universal Credit is rolled out, with some families possibly losing up to £50 a week.

Councillor Farnell added: “That is simply unacceptable especially when you consider that families on Universal Credit are among those who can least afford such a drop in income.

"As if that was not bad enough I am also hearing reports that some struggling families are being forced to wait up to six weeks for a payment.

“How can that be right or fair?

“Forcing families into a cycle of debt and having to rely on foodbanks for a hot meal in this day and age in one of the richest countries on the planet; no-one will ever convince me that that is anything other than shameful.

“I really hope government actually starts listening to the growing call for a halt to the roll out until all these concerns have been addressed.”