THE Citizens Advice is warning that people in need in West Devon could be plunged into crisis as the new Universal Credit benefits system is rolled out across the area this autumn.

The controversial benefit, which combines the six benefits that people in need can claim into a single payment, has led to an increased reliance on foodbanks when it has been introduced in other parts of the country.

A national report by Citizens Advice has revealed that people claiming benefits have found it difficult to provide the necessary evidence for housing, health conditions and childcare. This often leads to a delay in receiving the first payment.

The charity, noting that the benefit was pushing people into debt, is calling on the Government to simplify the claims process.

Vicky Rowe, CEO for Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice, said: ‘Universal Credit in Okehampton has only just gone live but we are expecting a lot of people to contact us needing help with claims as this has been the case in other parts of the country.

‘Clients are able to access personal budgeting support to help them while their claim is being processed – note that the Department for Work and Pensions are now calling this ‘Money Active’ – by either calling AdviceLine or dropping into the Okehampton or Tavistock offices of Citizens Advice. For those people that need help with actually making a claim then they can access support through West Devon Borough Council.’

Citizens Advice Devon is providing training courses in partnership with the Devon Community Learning Academy to help anyone helping benefit claimants navigate the changes successfully. See www.devoncommunities.org.uk/courses.