Glaswegians given £6 million in Universal Credit emergency loans
Around £68 million was paid out across Scotland
In Glasgow, about £6 million was made in advance payments by people waiting for Universal Credit, new figures suggest.
There was a total of around 16,640 total advances and an average advance value of £374 for Glaswegians. About £68 million in advance payments have been received by people in Scotland.
An estimated 183,120 total advances were made since the service began to roll out in local authority areas in 2016 and April 30 this year - at an average advance value of £372.
It's according to information obtained under a Freedom of Information request made by Scottish Labour to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Recipients of Universal Credit can ask for an advance payment if they are in financial hardship while waiting for their first payment - as no money is paid until five weeks after they make their first claim.
Across Scotland, there was a total of 197,289 people on Universal Credit in June 2019.
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour MSP for Glasgow, said the system is failing to help those who need it.
"It's alarming that over #6 million has had to be paid out in advance loan payments to people in Glasgow since Universal Credit was rolled out into full service,'' said Mr Sarwar.
"Far too many people are being pushed into hardship - and the system is clearly set up in a way that means it is not helping those who need it.
"Those on Universal Credit shouldn't be forced into claiming emergency loans simply so they can pay their rent, heat their home or provide food for their family.
"Prime Minister Boris Johnson should take the opportunity to halt this shambolic system and ensure those who need it most receive the assistance they need.''
A spokesman for the DWP said: or unable to work. "Universal Credit is a force for good and more than two million people are now receiving support.
"People can get their first payment on day one of their claim as an advance and we continue to make improvements - in the past year the number of people being paid in full and on time has risen to 95%.'"
Hear all the latest news from across Glasgow and the West on the hour, every hour, at Clyde 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Clyde app, on your DAB radio, online at Clyde1.com, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker.