WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is calling for the Government to draw up a real plan to ensure that people won’t be penalised for not having online access to a new single benefit programme being piloted in the town.
The Tory-led Government is piloting the new ‘Universal Credit’ in Warrington from April 2013 which will see a number of benefits combined into one payment.
But access to the scheme will be mainly through online formats and Ms Jones (pictured right) is concerned that this will exclude people in Warrington who do not have internet access or the skills to use complex websites.
She said: “I am very concerned that people will be left behind in Warrington by the Universal Credit pilot if they don’t have access to the internet or if they aren’t confident using complex websites.
“I have repeatedly asked the Secretary State about what plans are being put in place to make sure everyone can access the new system and each time the Government is failing to provide adequate answers.
“It is clear that a Government of millionaires is out of touch with people who either can’t afford a computer or internet access, or who don’t have the confidence in their computer skills to access a complex Government programme online.
“I will be continuing to press the Government to stop ignoring the flaws in their programme and to put together a proper plan to improve access to the new scheme.”
Helen was commenting after receiving a response to a Parliamentary Question she asked of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which was answered on Monday 17th September 2012 by Steve Webb MP, the Pensions Minister.
In his answer Mr Webb stated, “We are currently still exploring how we could assist people to use digital technology.”
Mr Webb also stated that when referring to alternatives to online channels to access the programme, “Alternatives will therefore be kept to a minimum.”
Pilot benefits project is flawed says MP
11 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
1 Comment
EVERYONE in Warrington has access to the internet at their local library. Perhaps the Job Centre should also offer internet access, maybe then the benefit claimants will look for work while they’re there!