Universal credit claimants struggling to get by because of wait for payments, say MPs

People waiting up to five weeks for their first universal credit payments are being forced to choose between having no income or going into debt to get by, according to a new report by MPs.

The Work and Pensions Committee says those getting it for the first time should be given a new starter payment. The committee is also calling for a £20 rise in weekly payments, brought in because of the coronavirus but due to be phased out next April, to be made permanent.