SFHA Response to Boris Johnson Becoming New Prime Minister

Responding to the news Boris Johnson MP will be the UK’s new Prime Minister, Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said: “ With Brexit having been the main topic for debate during the leadership campaign, it is now time for the new Prime Minister to focus on other policy areas which are having a daily impact on people’s lives and their health and well-being. In particular, there is an urgent need to make changes to Universal Credit, the roll-out of which continues to have a profound impact on social housing tenants.

“Last year, along with our colleagues in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, SFHA called for #SixAsks which must be implemented to make Universal Credit work for everyone. The priority must be an end to the five-week wait for the first payment.  It is unrealistic to expect a claimant with no savings (which is the majority) to survive on nothing for five weeks. New claimants will not benefit from the two-week run-ons, so it is essential they can get the support otherwise they may well be destitute.

“The current Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has expressed her desire to deliver a ‘considered and considerate’ welfare system and has committed to continue to listen to claimants, stakeholders and elected representatives to improve the system. There is still much that needs to be done as the recently published report of the Work and Pensions Select Committee starkly illustrates.

“The DWP is about to begin its Managed Migration pilot, the outcome of which will have a huge impact on some of the most vulnerable who will at some point have to make the transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit. We hope that the Government under the new Prime Minister is prepared to provide the resources to ensure that the process is as smooth and as compassionate as possible.”