On speaking out for change: Universal Credit reform

It’s important for regular people, like me, to get their voices heard. Speaking out to encourage others to share their experiences. Together, we can push those with power to make changes to the system.

Being part of the Changing Realities project has been really good for me. I look forward to meetings and have built a sense of community.

A small group of us met online recently to plan an upcoming event. When we come together, I think it’s a reminder to not make assumptions about other people and to find what connects us and unites us in our campaign for change.

Universal Credit is currently undergoing reform.

I’ve been considering the question: What difference would it make to your life - or others - if Universal Credit covered the cost of the essentials?

My answer is: If Universal Credit covered the cost of essentials, it would lift the worry at the end of every month.

You might not expect it from looking at me, but I’ve had the worst 10 years of my life.

When I was at my lowest point, I was feeding my children and going without myself. I was eating a packet of custard creams a day because they were 27p, which was all I could afford once the other essentials were covered. That was my breakfast, lunch and dinner – for months.

With inflation, that 27p has gone up to about £1 in today’s prices – and that cost of inflation is something we’re not seeing reflected in the amount people get from social security, or in wages.

IF I could have afforded to put the heating on during the winter – either because I was getting enough income from social security, or because it was being subsidised – and IF I could have afforded to eat better, the pneumonia I got might not have kept me off work for months…

It’s not about a one-size-fits-all approach either. As a minimum, we need Universal Credit to cover the cost of the essentials so that people can stay healthy and well. But there are other initiatives the government should invest in alongside this, such as NHS prescribing exercise, or heating being subsidised – things that could support people over the shorter term as they navigate a tough period.

That lifeline needs to be there though – Universal Credit should support people properly when they need it most.

MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament) need to understand the reality their constituents are facing. I want MSPs to do more. Go out and meet people in your community. Talk to people and ask them what they need.

Don’t just show up at the food bank for a photo shoot – roll up your sleeves, get stuck in and help out!