CARDENDEN and Kinglassie MP Peter Grant had raised concerns as Fife Council figures show a direct correlation between people claiming Universal Credit and then falling into rent arrears.

In figures obtained by the Glenrothes and Central Fife MP, they show that – in the last six months – as the number of Fife Council tenants claiming Universal Credit increased by 69%, the amount of rent arrears also increased by 63%.

Cowdenbeath Area Committee heard on Wednesday that there 1,192 tenants owing more than £250.

This all comes after Peter Grant revealed that a third of all of the social security cases that his office, in Glenrothes, is dealing with are in relation to Universal Credit.

Commenting, Peter Grant MP said: “This is a shocking figure and shows that there is a direct correlation between people claiming Universal Credit and then finding themselves in rent arrears.

"This is supposed to be the UK Government’s flagship policy, but it is clear that it is in fact a policy that is bringing hardship on people".

He added: “The roll-out of Universal Credit in Glenrothes and Central Fife is only 26% complete, so it is very concerning that even at this early stage there so many people in rent arrears.

“This is completely unacceptable, and I call on the latest Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to seriously review this policy and ensure that it works for everyone.”