Universal Credit-thought through

Has the concept of Universal Credit been thought through by the Government?
Yesterday I posted articles by a number of sources indicated some of the arguments featured in the media.
Today I thought some observations might be relevant.

The all in one system
The Government has mixed the workers with the non workers.Those on Job seekers allowance and those on Tax Credits. Politically this means they cannot say that all those on Universal Credit are "work shy" as this will potentially alianate many millions. Add this to the interesting challenge that they are taking this to a monthly payment instead of the weekly payment this assumes that all those on this benefit can live month by month.
The Credit will also apply to those self employed and on 0 hours contracts. In other words those with the most fluctuating benefit.
The CAB is stating that the benefit allowance is going to be assessed monthly instead of on an annual basis. Over the years many including myself have seen the issue with the annual mistake with Working Family Tax Credit. A letter saying an over payment has been made that they will not take through reduced payments but simply by the setting up of a direct debit, standing order or payment.THEY HAVE MADE THE MISTAKE.


The all in one system is already providing issues for CAB and other relevant bodies on top of the bed room tax.
It is clearly a way of losing votes during a general election.

Computer Training
To expect claiments to use new application processes to apply for relevant benefits you have to provide support. Looking on line through Youtube and other sources where the public will tend to look for information it is clear to see the lack of advice and guidance. INDEED, the majority of material talking you through any of the changes have been created by councils. Very little though the department itself that will be administering the changes.
Indications are that the training for staff at relevant departments is not as good as it might be. There is a strong indication that there may be many grounds for appeal to Upper tier tribunals where Universal Credit has been initially turned down and where decision makers decisions are questioned. Within the legal frame work of  the Welfare Act this is likely to increase the pressures.
One does wonder what the back up plans are for computer failure and other software issues. Yesterdays political statements were not reassuring in the sence that Ian Duncan Smith admitted to having to under take reviews and we are currently not yet at the end of the pilot scheme in the North West.
It should be remembered that the North East and Birmingham areas are the areas that are where training and support will be key as this is where the unemployment figures are at their worst and it could be argued that this is where there literacy and I.T competence for not just Universal Credit but also Universal Job Match may be needed the most. You can as a jsa claiment be sanctioned for failing to tick the box asking allowing the adviser to see your account.....dpa not considered.
Opportunities
There is without a shadow of doubt a market for online training and support that may be filled and met by training providers. There is a way here that claiments can be saved time and energy by on line training and support where the claiment has access to a computer at home.
Conclusion
There is a General election coming up before the final role out of this process. Are we likely to see a re branding of the concept..Yes.
If this becomes a disaster we are likely to see this as a vote loser. It doesnt just affect the non workers.But, it affects the millions of low income earners with savings of less than £16.000.
The computer access will clearly be key and its infrustructure does have to be accesible and fit for purpose.
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