A MOTION expressing concern over the introduction of universal credit in Ceredigion in September 2018 has been passed by the county council.

The motion, proposed by the council’s poverty champion Cllr Catrin Miles, says the Westminster Government’s universal credit scheme is causing a social emergency and has caused serious financial difficulties for thousands of claimants.

The motion calls on the Welsh Government to begin discussions with the UK Government to demand devolution to the National Assembly for Wales of powers to allow payment flexibilities and the housing element of universal credit in order to protect some of Wales’s most vulnerable people from the problems experienced elsewhere.

The motion also calls on the Welsh Government to demand a fiscal framework which will accommodate the devolution of these elements of social security and to demand that payment for rent is made directly to the landlord to avoid homelessness and ensure that people have a roof over their heads.

Cllr Miles, from Cardigan, said: “The changes to the benefit system in Ceredigion are upcoming, therefore every effort must be made to ensure that the changes are made in a way that support the wellbeing of the people of the county.

“The passing of this motion sends a clear message that the Council is of the opinion that additional advocacy is needed on behalf of Ceredigion residents.”