Universal Credit (UC) was rolled out in Gateshead and Newcastle in 2017. UC aims to simplify the benefits system and move people into work but are these aims being met? Or are people claiming Universal Credit being forced into debt, rent arrears and extreme hardship, with serious consequences for their health and wellbeing?
This event will present and discuss the findings of recently published report by Gateshead Council in partnership with Fuse about the impact of Universal Credit on the health and wellbeing of residents in Gateshead and Newcastle.
This in-depth qualitative study, believed to be the first to include vulnerable people and advice and support staff in a full service Universal Credit area is unique to the North East and holds important lessons for the regional and national roll-out of Universal Credit.
The event brings together practitioners and academics from local authorities, public health, welfare advice, housing and the voluntary community sector to consider how recommendations in the report can be taken forward to create a benefit system that is fair, adequately resourced and informed by evidence”.
Fuse QRM 30 Jan 2019 Programme