MID Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley has raised a motion in the Scottish Parliament highlighting the recent calls made by Fife Council demanding a halt to the roll-out of Universal Credit.

The roll-out is due to start in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area on December 6 and the council has expressed its concern over what it believes is the impact that this will have on people and families, especially as the decision to introduce it prior to Christmas could mean that new claimants will not receive benefits until January.

Mr Rowley has previously tabled a debate in the Scottish Parliament calling for all parties to unite behind calling for a halt to the accelerated roll-out until the problems inherent in the system can be addressed. The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP also wrote to every MP in the country asking for them to support calls to halt the roll-out.

Mr Rowley said: “Fife Council has added its name to an ever increasing list of groups, organisations and individuals calling for a halt to the roll-out of Universal Credit.

"It joins the churches, the trade unions, third sector organisations and most political parties in demanding the Government stop the roll-out.

“The trial roll-out has shown that Universal Credit is leading to thousands of people being put at risk of rent arrears, increased debt, poverty and a reliance on charity to feed themselves".

He added: "Why would any Government in a civilised society continue to roll out a new policy that it knows is going to hurt tens of thousands of people, will drive people into debt and towards relying on charity to feed themselves, and will result in even more people in our country being driven into poverty?

“The Tory party must think again. It must listen to Civic Scotland and stop the accelerated roll-out of Universal Credit.

“I am glad Fife Council has made this call, and I also welcome the decision by the council to request its Chief Executive and Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, in consultation with the co-leaders of the administration, to put in place enhanced arrangements that will aim to alleviate any hardship that arises from the roll-out over the Christmas period and for the longer term.”

The new benefit system will come into operation in this area at the beginning of December as it will throughout Fife.