‘Christmas will be cancelled’ for families in the borough as a controversial new benefits system is rolled out in western Dorset this week. 

Universal Credit (UC) will be rolled out in Weymouth as of Wednesday and there are concerns that the government’s all-in-one benefit will drive people to food banks as they struggle to cope.

UC replaces six other benefits with a single monthly payment for those who are out of work or on a low income. The idea is to simplify the benefit system, however, it has been widely criticised with claims of a mandatory six-week wait on payments for claimants. 

Cllr Kate Wheller, Labour councillor at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “It is something that I’m very concerned about. Particularly through December which is a five week and not a four week month, it’s going to create difficulties for people.

“I know that our benefits staff at the council have worked really hard to try to mitigate these hardships for people. We do have the double edged sword with our food banks. We encourage people to use them, it’s a disgrace that they should have to, but it’s a blessing that they’re there.”

As well as the backlash over a six-week waiting period, there is also anger over the complex online-only application process and the housing benefit not being paid directly to landlords.

In last month’s Budget, Chancellor Phillip Hammond promised to end the one-week wait before someone can claim.

Widespread concern has been raised over the pressure that will be put on food bank stocks and its volunteers. 

A committee member at Weymouth Food Bank said: “We are expecting an increase in the amount of people coming to us. 

“We’ve been concerned about it ever since we first heard about it. To bring it in at this time just before Christmas seems very cruel. 

“People aren’t going to have any money. How are they going to feed their children or pay their rent? 

“Most years [the number of people using the food bank] rises and I think it’s going to rise a lot more, especially this winter.”

Most working age people making a new claim for benefits will now be required to claim UC instead. Some single people seeking work have already been able to claim it since 2015. 

Trade union Unite the Union took part in a day of action against UC on Saturday saying “Christmas will be cancelled for thousands of families in the south west”. 

Unite says 35,628 households in the south west are currently receiving UC with the figure expected to reach 474,118 once the government has finished rolling it out fully by March 2022.

The Trussell Trust, the UK’s biggest foodbank, says demand in areas where UC has already been rolled out has increased by an average of 30 per cent.

The Department for Work and Pensions says those who need support will not have to wait six weeks.  

A DWP spokesperson said: "In December, claimants can request an advance of up to 50 per cent of their first payment and a further 50 per cent in January if they need it, repayable over 12 months.

“Universal Credit lies at the heart of our commitment to help people improve their lives and raise their incomes. It provides additional, tailored support to help people move into work and stop claiming benefits altogether."

AS residents prepare for next week’s roll out of the contentious new scheme, both Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and West Dorset District Council have said they will provide support to help claimants through the initial claims process. 

Cllr Gill Taylor, borough council spokesman for housing, said: “My plea for our residents affected by this who have issues or concerns, or simply queries that they are not sure about is to get in touch with us.”

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“We are working closely with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and local Job Centre to ensure that those who require help to make or manage their claim online will be provided with the necessary support.

“Both over the phone guidance and face to face technical support is readily available for those who need help making this transition,” Cllr Taylor added.

A spokesman for Dorset Councils partnership said: "Those already claiming one or more of the benefits being phased out, should carry on claiming as normal.

"If at any time their circumstances change they may then be required to claim Universal Credit instead but should seek advice at that time.​

"Customers of pension age will not be affected by these changes and will continue to claim the existing benefits."