Dr John Sentamu said evidence suggests “many” families have had a “very negative” experience switching to the new benefit payment, adding the case for an overhaul has become “increasingly strong”.
He wrote in the Yorkshire Post: “Many of our fellow citizens, already in a financially-fragile situation, have experienced increased hardship, desperation and hunger as they are switched over from the old system to the new.
“Jesus said: ‘We are to love our neighbours as ourselves’. Would we like to be treated in such a way that makes debt and hardship practically inevitable?”
The centre piece of the Conservative government’s welfare reforms, Universal Credit replaces six benefits – including child tax credit and income support. It is being implemented in phases across the UK.
The Christian charity Trussell Trust previously warned demand for its network of 420 foodbanks has risen much more rapidly in areas where Universal Credit has already been brought in.
Dr John continued: “The fact that communities are dreading the implementation of what is supposed to be a welfare policy, and feel the need to make such anxious preparations, should make us all think again.
“This is not the way a just and compassionate society treats its poorest and most vulnerable.”
Dr John said reducing the switchover waiting time from six weeks to five…
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