CLACTON’S Labour Party has called for the roll out of the “failing” Universal Credit system to be put on hold and fixed before it is launched in Tendring.

Universal Credit is replacing six other benefits with a single payment, but critics claim it is increasing poverty.

Labour Party members set up a stall in Walton’s High Street to highlight the issue ahead of the roll out of the system in Tendring in April.

George Taylor, chairman of the Clacton Labour Party, said: “The Government’s failing Universal Credit programme is causing debt, poverty and evictions. We’re demanding that the Government urgently pause and fix Universal Credit now.

“Citizens Advice has said Universal Credit is a disaster waiting to happen and housing associations are reporting an up to 50 per cent increase in the numbers of evictions due to rent arrears caused by Universal Credit.

“With Tendring planning its roll out of Universal Credit in April, we want to highlight just how damaging the continuation of this roll out in its current form will be.

“The average six-week wait for payments when changing over to Universal Credit is leaving people unable to eat, heat their homes, pay their bills or pay their rent.

“Clacton food bank handed out 1,416 three-day emergency food parcels last year.

“We already have people in Clacton, Walton and Jaywick who are struggling to put food on the table for their families - if the roll out of Universal Credit isn’t paused, this number will without a doubt go up in our area.”

The Work and Pensions Select Committee said waiting times before claimants get their first payment is causing financial difficulties for families.

Prime Minister Theresa May defended the concept of universal credit as a “simpler” system that “makes sure work pays”.

Clacton MP Giles Watling said: “The introduction of Universal Credit does have cross-party support.In some places the implementation has been difficult and we must make sure during its implementation here that no one suffers.”

Tendring Council said it is set to continue to give claimants on low incomes the maximum 80 per cent discount on their council tax bills.

Housing boss Paul Honeywood said: “We want to provide some certainty and financial stability to Tendring claimants especially as they may well see some significant changes such as Universal Credit.”