The DWP can’t be “in denial” about hardship – it’s what Universal Credit was designed for

MPs accuse ministers of a “fortress mentality”, allowing a “culture of indifference” about the pain caused by welfare reforms. But it’s hardly surprising.

By Anoosh Chakelian

Universally discredited. (Photo By Getty)

Universal Credit isn’t working. Even the length of its delay (six years and counting) wouldn’t give me time to list all its problems here. The main ones are that it’s leading to debt, rent arrears (and therefore the risk of evictions), lower incomes for millions who rely on welfare, and a rise in food bank use.

But the Department for Work and Pensions refuses to engage with the hardship it is creating, according to MPs on the Public Accounts select committee. They accuse the Department of having a “fortress mentality”, whereby it is “failing claimants” with a “systemic culture of denial and defensiveness in the face of any adverse evidence presented by others”.