FRESH fears have been raised over the introduction of Universal Credit which will be introduced in the Cardigan area at the end of the year.

The scheme is due to be rolled out across Ceredigion in December and already local MP Ben Lake has voiced his concerns, while local charities such as Cardigan Foodbank are fearing an increase in demand on their services.

Now the Welsh Government’s Housing and Regeneration Minister Rebecca Evans has written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to warn about the impact Universal Credit is having on some of the most vulnerable people in Wales.

She said: “Foodbank use in areas where Universal Credit has been rolled out has increased by 30 per cent according to National Audit Office statistics, compared to a 12 per cent increase in non-Universal Credit areas. This is extremely worrying

“A Universal Credit claimant survey from Esther McVey’s own department shows that four in ten claimants were experiencing financial difficulties, and that 46 per cent of new Universal Credit claimants need help to make their claim online.

“I have asked the Secretary of State to make Universal Support for people who claim Universal Credit available as widely as possible to help those people who are experiencing difficulties in managing their finances, and for those who are struggling with digital access.

“The recent National Audit Office report was clear; local authorities, housing associations and landlords are all seeing an increase in rent arrears since the introduction of Universal Credit.

“This chimes with many concerns raised and reported to me by the housing sector in Wales.

“I am deeply concerned about the flaws of Universal Credit and its impact on the most vulnerable people in Wales and I will continue to press the UK Government on addressing these.”