DWP Charging UC Claimants For Calls Wrong Say SNP

The Scottish National Party has today called for a freephone number to be established immediately following reports that individuals applying for Universal Credit will be charged up to 45p a minute to make a claim. 
 
Neil Gray MP has written to Work and Pensions Minister Iain Duncan Smith to ask that he set up a no-charge number "as soon as possible" for Universal Credit. 
 
Neil Gray MP, SNP spokesperson for Fair Work and Employment, said:
 
"Charging an individual who is applying for benefits is simply wrong and shows just how faulty Iain Duncan Smith's moral compass is. 
 
"Currently, there is no cost to make a claim over the phone for those applying for JSA and ESA so why should there be a charge for Universal Credit?
 
“People who need to call these numbers can be left on hold for long periods of time and will often need to discuss complicated issues so these calls could end up costing those on little to no income an extortionate amount.
 
"Not everyone has access to the internet and getting online can also be a problem in rural areas where connectivity isn't as good. 
 
"Ministers recognised the destructive nature of this policy a few years ago so it is baffling that the idea of charging those in need of support up to 45p a minute just to access welfare is back on the table. IDS must establish a freephone number for Universal Credit as soon as possible."