More than 80 per cent of North Ayrshire Council tenants on Universal Credit are in rent arrears.
Now the local authority’s leader has branded the welfare policy a ‘tragedy’.
Labour Council Leader Joe Cullinane said Universal Credit was pushing families into debt, which could lead to a sharp rise in poverty, hardship and anxiety.
Since April 1, 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 claimants in North Ayrshire Council tenancies.
This means that an incredible 82 per cent of council tenants in receipt of Universal Credit are in rent arrears.
North Ayrshire Council Leader Joe Cullinane 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.”
