THERE have been more than £1million worth of Universal Credit advance payments handed out to people in the Dunfermline and West Fife constituency during the coronavirus pandemic.

The shocking figure was revealed in an answer from the Department for Work and Pensions Minister, to the MP for the area, which includes Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side, Douglas Chapman, who asked how many of the loans were handed out since the start of March.

In answering the question DWP Minister, Will Quince, revealed that 2,310 advance payments have been processed in Dunfermline and West Fife since March 1, totalling £1,013,000.

This follows data released by the House of Commons Library earlier in the year that revealed the uptake of Universal Credit in the area has increased by 60%, compared to this time last year.

The numbers have revitalised calls for a Universal Basic Income scheme to be introduced in response to the financial hardship being faced by so many across the country.

Commenting, Douglas Chapman said: “We know many people have been forced onto Universal Credit because they have unfortunately fallen through the cracks of the UK Government’s furlough scheme and are at a dead-end in trying to find support, so have had to turn to Universal Credit as a safety net to get some sort of income.

“It is a crying shame that people who have built their own business and are making a hard-earned living, are now forced to claim benefits as the UK Government has left them out in the cold.

“As a double-whammy, due to the cruel nature of the Universal Credit system, the advances that have been given out need to be paid back – meaning new applicants are forced to pile on more unwanted debt."

He added: “The economic impact suffered by many is through no fault of anyone so they should not be the ones to bear the brunt of it.

“We have seen Universal Basic Income schemes introduced in countries like Spain and independent studies have proven the feasibility of introducing one in Scotland, but the Scottish Government currently does not have the power to implement one.

“The UK Government needs to either transfer the powers to Holyrood or introduce the system nationwide to make sure everyone has a guaranteed income and no one is left behind by this crisis.”