NEW benefit claimants transferred to Universal Credit could face a grim Christmas if their payments fail to come through, Labour’s Kate Hollern has warned.

The new system comes into to Blackburn with Darwen on November 24 for jobless single people and couples.

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On Monday (October 6) it was rolled out for clients of Accrington, Burnley, Rawtenstall, Nelson, and Colne job centres. Universal Credit, replaces six benefits with one all-encompassing payment, with claimants having apply on-line.

It shifts from fortnightly payments to cash transferred monthly into bank accounts.

It ends the system where rent is paid directly to the landlord under Housing Benefit to giving the claimant the cash directly to pass on.

Blackburn with Darwen council leader Coun Hollern told the borough’s executive board when it discussed the move: “These claims can take up to six weeks to process.

“If it is coming into Blackburn with Darwen on November 24 that could mean a grim Christmas for some claimants when they don’t get their money.

“I am very concerned about this.

“How are people going to feed themselves if they don’t get their benefits on time?

“It will put more pressure on our foodbank.”

Borough finance chief Andy Kay said: “The people being transferred are the simplest claimants.

“We have made sure there is adequate online access for them.” Coun Hollern said:

“Even the simplest claims can have problems. I am really concerned about this.

“With the system coming in at the end of November, there could be claimants who just don’t get their money in time for the festive season.

“Even single benefit claimants deserve a decent Christmas. I am worried about claimants having to pay their own rent.

“It seems Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith is quite happy to play Scrooge.”

Borough Tory group leader Mike Lee said: “This will improve the benefits system for many claimants.

“It will not affect families this Christmas. I expect the new claimants to get their money in time.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “This week’s roll out Accrington, Burnley, Rawtenstall, Nelson, and Colne has gone smoothly.”

Welfare Minister Lord Freud said: “We have learned from our pilot schemes and reset the IT system.”