News

Universal Credit helpline charges dropped

Prime Minister Theresa May says benefit recipients calls will be made free following widespread criticism of 55p-a-minute rates

The government’s Universal Credit – the streamlining of six benefits into one payment – has been subjected to a barrage of criticism, mainly due to the six-week delays getting first payments sorted.

Following a week of pressure over charges inflicted on those calling the government’s Universal Credit helpline in an attempt to get information.

Prime Minister Theresa May has now announced charges – up to 55p-a-minute – will be dropped, and said the helpline will be made free over the next month.

Leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn claimed May had “bowed to Labour pressure” on the charges, and urged her to go further by halting the planned roll-out of the scheme.

“The fundamental problems of Universal Credit remain – the six week wait, rising indebtedness, rent arrears and evictions,” he said at this afternoon’s PMQs.

“Will the prime minister now pause Universal Credit and fix the problems before pressing ahead with the roll-out?”

It is a system that is working, because more people are getting into work

May insisted Universal Credit “was a simpler system, it’s a system that encourages people to get into the workplace…It is a system that is working, because more people are getting into work.”

Kayley Hignell, head of policy at Citizens Advice, said the dropping of charges was “very welcome.”

Alison Garnham, chief executive also backed the free helpline, but warned that the government “will need to go much further to address widespread, cross-party concerns about Universal Credit.”

Labour has called on Tory and Lib Dem MPs concerned about delays to back an opposition day vote in the House of Commons in a bid to introduce a six-week pause on the roll-out.

For more on the problems with the Universal Credit roll-out, see next week’s edition of The Big Issue, out Monday, October 23.

Watch the Pride special collection.

Our LGBTQ+ film playlist offers a new and interesting angle on LGBTQ+ love and struggle – giving an international overview by taking us inside some of the most and least sexually liberated countries in the world.  

Sign Up Now

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
I started doing crime by age 6. I didn't know any other life – all my birthdays were in prison
Crime

I started doing crime by age 6. I didn't know any other life – all my birthdays were in prison

Local housing allowance is finally going up. But is it anything more than just a short-term fix?
Jeremy Hunt announced local housing allowance rise
Benefits

Local housing allowance is finally going up. But is it anything more than just a short-term fix?

Calls to nationalise Thames Water as Brits face 40% increase in bills: 'A con and a disgrace'
Water bills

Calls to nationalise Thames Water as Brits face 40% increase in bills: 'A con and a disgrace'

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the Easter holidays?
Free school meals/ Easter holidays
Free school meals

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the Easter holidays?

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know