Responding to the government’s announcement that universal credit is today being rolled out to just one Jobcentre, Hammersmith in London, Romayne Phoenix the Party’s spokesperson on Welfare said:
“The Green Party has long opposed the government’s universal credit scheme on ideological grounds. By sapping money from the poor and making victims of anyone who needs benefits, the programme is a perfect example of the heartless policies this government sees fit to deliver.”
“The ‘roll-out’ of universal credit today also serves to expose the government’s shambolic management of this project. Today this new welfare scheme should have begun its phased introduction across the country. Instead it’s being trialed in a Jobcentre in Hammersmith. In one sense we’re delighted that this mean-spirited policy is so far behind schedule but it raises serious questions about this government’s competence in delivering their own welfare reforms”.