RUDDY MESS
New Work and Pensions boss Amber Rudd promises to fix Universal Credit and make it ‘better’
NEW Department for Work and Pensions boss Amber Rudd has promised to fix Universal Credit - but she won't stop it being rolled out across the country.
The Hastings MP, who was last week put back into Theresa May's Cabinet after a Brexit reshuffle, told MPs today she was listening to their concerns about the new welfare system.
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She said in her first comments since taking on the role on Friday: "Three days in and I know the DWP is a force for good.
"I know there are problems with Universal Credit, and we will be focusing on fixing them."
The ally of Mrs May was forced to stand down as Home Secretary earlier this year over the Windrush scandal, but was brought back after Esther McVey quit over Mrs May's Brexit deal.
Ms Rudd, who has also been tipped to lead the Tories if Mrs May gets booted out, added today: "I know there are problems with Universal Credit, despite its good intentions - I have seen them for myself."
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And in a boost for campaigners who are fighting for more changes to the flagship new welfare programme she added: "I will be listening and learning from expert groups in this area who do such good work.
"I know it can be better.
"I will make it my role to make sure we deliver that through our discussions in the DWP - and in the Treasury.
"We will have a fair, compassionate and efficient benefits system."
Her mention of the Treasury gives fresh hope that more money can be won to replace the benefits that were cut by George Osborne back in 2015.
This has meant that some going onto Universal Credit will receive less - and can earn less before they get their benefits cut.
Changes made by Chancellor Philip Hammond in last month's Budget will be a boost to thousands on Universal Credit - but they are not set to come in for years to come.
After a revolt by MPs, ministers agreed to increase the work allowance, put forward more payments to those going onto the new system, and slash the amount that needs to be repaid back at once.
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Today it was revealed that a teenage girl with mad cow disease could be at risk of losing her home on Universal Credit.
And one desperate woman told how she was forced into sex work after waiting eight weeks for her first payment.
Earlier this week a damning UN report slammed the new system for forcing Brits into poverty, and using vulnerable people as "guinea pigs".
Stats revealed recently showed that one in six new claimants still aren't getting their payment in full and on time.
Next year MPs will decide how to transfer people who are already on benefits onto the new system.
Homeless charity boss Ellie Waugh says that Universal Credit is making more and more people homeless and pushes women towards prostitution
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