Over 13,000 households hit by benefits cap, DWP figures reveal

More than 13,000 households across Scotland have had welfare payments cut since the introduction of the benefit cap, new figures reveal.

Statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that 12,492 households had their Housing Benefit capped and a further 1,050 had Universal Credit payments reduced since the benefit cap was introduced in 2013.

The quarterly report from the DWP also shows that around half those affected were single parents.

The benefit cap was introduced by the UK Government in the 2010 spending review and was implemented in April 2013.

Since then, more than 250,000 households across the UK have been impacted by the cap.

Citizens Advice Scotland expressed concern for the affect the cap continues to have on families and urged the UK Government to scrap the policy.

Social Justice Spokesperson, Mhoraig Green, said: “Many Citizens Advice Bureau clients affected by the benefit cap have struggled to cope with the loss of income and have consequently accrued rent arrears and needed food bank vouchers to get by. 

“Others have experienced negative impacts on their health, relationship problems and difficulties finding settled accommodation. The reality is the benefit cap can start a domino effect for people on low incomes in trap them in a vicious cycle of problem effecting their finances and quality of life. 

“We are very concerned by today’s figures and we continue to urge the UK Government to reconsider this policy in its entirety.”