West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes is teaming up with the Citizens Advice Bureau to provide assistance to local residents impacted by benefit changes.
It comes as Tax Credit recipients in the West of Scotland are being notified by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of the process for migrating to Universal Credit (UC).
The UK government has said it plans to complete the migration of Tax Credit recipients to Universal Credit by next year. However, UK Ministers have faced criticism over the process, with analysis revealing that 28% of claimants fail to move over to Universal Credit – meaning thousands of households across Scotland are at risk of losing this vital financial lifeline.
West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) estimates that over 1,000 households across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven could be impacted by the Tax Credits migration process.
The area’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes is urging any constituents looking for advice or support on the UC migration process, or for any social security issues, to get in touch with him through his constituency office.
Local SNP MP Martin is working with West Dunbartonshire CAB to host a series of joint advice surgeries for residents in the coming months. This next drop-in advice surgeries are taking place on Friday 3rd November (10am-11am in Clydebank Library) and Friday 10th November (10am-11am in Concord Community Centre, Dumbarton).
Commenting, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“The cost-of-living crisis is hitting hard for many in West Dunbartonshire and it’s important to know for anyone struggling that help is available.
“As the area’s MP, I work closely alongside West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau and other local organisations to help residents with issues like welfare and social security entitlements.
“It’s concerning that as the DWP accelerates the migration of Tax Credit claimants to Universal Credit, more than a quarter of people may be at risk of losing their entitlement.
“Every person in receipt of Tax Credits should receive a letter from the DWP with details of how to claim for Universal Credit. It’s important to make a claim within the deadline stated on the letter in order to continue receiving the financial support you are entitled to.
“If you’re experiencing difficulty with the migration process, or any other social security issues, please don’t hesitate to contact my office or the Citizens Advice Bureau. We are here to support you and would be happy to meet any constituents face-to-face at one of our upcoming joint advice surgeries in West Dunbartonshire.”
Joe McCormack, West Dunbartonshire CAB manager, said:
“We would encourage anyone who receives a Migration Notice from DWP and isn’t sure about what to do next, to seek help from the CAB. People can phone us on 0800 484 0136 or visit www.wdcab.co.uk. We are here for everyone, whether they are working or not. We don’t judge, we just hep – and our advisers get real results.”
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP can be contacted by email to martin.docherty.mp@parliament.uk or via his constituency office on 0141 952 2988. West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can be contacted online at www.wdcab.co.uk or by calling 0800 484 0136.
The Citizens Advice Scotland guide on ‘Moving to Universal Credit from other benefits’ is available here.
