A MEETING for all those concerned about the introduction of Universal Credit is being organised in Liskeard.

The event, staged by the local branch of the Labour Party, will include speakers from the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank and from Liskeard Community Action, a group founded to support low income families and individuals locally.

Universal Credit is a new welfare payment which combines all other benefits into one monthly sum.

The Government says that the new system will mirror being in employment, where people are paid on a monthly basis and have to budget for their outgoings.

But the Labour Party says that Universal Credit is having a ‘devastating’ impact wherever it is introduced.

Reports of six week delays in receiving the first payment have come from other parts of the country where pilot schemes have been run. Some claimants have been forced into arrears with their rent and other bills, and the pressure on local council and other support services has increased.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: ‘The Liskeard area is particularly at risk because of the high levels of self-employment, part-time and seasonal work.

‘Low pay, short hours and high housing costs mean that many working households rely on tax credits and/or housing benefit in order to make ends meet.

‘We are concerned that if Universal Credit comes to Liskeard as planned, many people will be adversely affected – including those in work as well as those who are disabled, caring for relatives, or looking for work.’

The Liskeard and Looe Foodbank says that in parts of the country where Universal Credit has already been introduced, Foodbanks have recorded an average 30% increase in referrals.

And Liskeard Community Action is concerned that the change to the benefits payments will bring extra pressure and stress to already cash-strapped families.

The Public Meeting will take place at the Liskerrett Centre, Liskeard on Saturday November 25: doors open at 1.45pm for refreshments with the meeting to start at 2pm.