A BOLTON MP is calling for the Government to pause plans to roll out the Universal Credit scheme and hold an urgent review into its failings.

With Universal Credit set to replace a wide range of benefits, including Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit, Sir David Crausby, MP for Bolton North East, says that a number of problems need to be sorted out before the new system is fully implemented.

Research by Citizens Advice has highlighted major issues with the scheme. with many people being driven into debt by the slow and complicated process.

Mr Crausby has written a letter to the Department of Work and Pensions Minister, David Gauke, to highlight his objections.

He said: “If you lose your job or your circumstances change suddenly you’d expect support to be on hand until you get back on your feet, it’s what we pay our taxes for.

“Universal Credit has some Bolton residents waiting three months for their first payment, leaving them facing rent arrears or taking on debt just to make ends meet. This isn’t good enough.

“People are being driven into debt and poverty by the very system that’s supposed to help them through hard times. I’ve written to the Minister responsible to insist that the rollout be paused so the Government can hold a review into the failings of Universal Credit.”