Latest on UC from Stephen Crabb

Kicking the tyres and looking under the bonnet??

Makes sense actually. He has that ‘used car salesman’ look about him (and goodness only knows, UC is just about the ultimate in moody second-hand motors).

Odd that he hasn’t noticed that it’s a tricycle with no wheels…..

Its the bits of UC that are not in existence and still being developed that he needs to worry about…...

The visible bits that he can prod and kick, are really just the very simple bits.  I know there are some problems with these as well but still…..

Isn’t kicking the tyres and looking under the bonnet something that you do when you want to make it look like you know what you are doing, but in actual fact you haven’t got a clue? Seems quite fitting I think.

Luvvly benefit, only ever claimed by a little old lady to put in the collection plate…

Yup, wheels attached, engine where it should be. Looks good, I’ll take it.

Well I’ve been looking under the bonnet of UC cases for the last three weeks and I am finding loads of problems ....

On the subject of conditionality ..... First Wave findings from the massive research project headed up by York University published today.  Should be an interesting read:

http://www.welfareconditionality.ac.uk/publications/first-wave-research-findings/

Was covered by the Guardian Frances Ryan yesterday.

One in-work UC claimant reported being sanctioned for almost a year for missing multiple Jobcentre Plus appointments because of unpredictable working hours, variable care demands and ill-health:

“I’m on my court order for the eviction plus because of my arrears… I kept thinking, ‘Why is this happening? Why is this?’... I really was struggling. I fell behind on a lot especially because with the sanctions and then when I got poorly and I wouldn’t work and, because of the sanctions, I still wasn’t getting my main allowance. ” - (WSU, UC recipient, female, England)

Kicked the tyres of that one, eh Mr Crabb?

“It [conditionality] has to be delivered carefully in a smart way and that is a change.”

Therefore implying that any conditionality up to now hasn’t been delivered in a smart way, not much of a shock there,

alang - 12 May 2016 03:12 PM

“It [conditionality] has to be delivered carefully in a smart way and that is a change.”

Therefore implying that any conditionality up to now hasn’t been delivered in a smart way, not much of a shock there,

Indeed, as he admitted elsewhere here

The transcript of the Secretary of State’s evidence to the Select Committee is now available .........