The Welsh government's minister for tackling poverty has warned that the coalition's Universal Credit (UC) system has thrown a question mark over the state's ability to deliver support to most vulnerable people.
Huw Lewis told assembly members in the Senedd how UC will have a knock-on impact on Welsh government support such as free school meals.
In Wales, the receipt of various welfare benefits is used as a measure when assessing an individual’s entitlement to government support such as the school uniform grant scheme and free NHS dental treatment, known as ‘passported’ benefits.
Minister Lewis is highly concerned that Westminster is not releasing key information to enable the Welsh government to put new arrangements in place for these ‘passported’ benefits under UC.
He made a commitment that the Welsh government will do all it can to make sure those entitled to assistance continue to receive help despite the changes to welfare.
He also questioned claims that the new benefits system will get more people into work.
Lewis said: “We are faced with the challenge of introducing new arrangements for our passported benefits such as free school meals which are currently linked to UK benefits that are about to be abolished.
24Dash
Huw Lewis told assembly members in the Senedd how UC will have a knock-on impact on Welsh government support such as free school meals.
In Wales, the receipt of various welfare benefits is used as a measure when assessing an individual’s entitlement to government support such as the school uniform grant scheme and free NHS dental treatment, known as ‘passported’ benefits.
Minister Lewis is highly concerned that Westminster is not releasing key information to enable the Welsh government to put new arrangements in place for these ‘passported’ benefits under UC.
He made a commitment that the Welsh government will do all it can to make sure those entitled to assistance continue to receive help despite the changes to welfare.
He also questioned claims that the new benefits system will get more people into work.
Lewis said: “We are faced with the challenge of introducing new arrangements for our passported benefits such as free school meals which are currently linked to UK benefits that are about to be abolished.
24Dash
