Wendy Chamberlain - North East Fife MP - on Universal Credit: "Because of the system change, someone producing our food, cannot afford to eat. This is just not ok"

The Liberal Democrats MP has spoken about the difficulties farming families face in accessing Universal Credit support and why a change in system has left farmers going hungry

Chris Brayford
clock • 6 min read
Wendy Chamberlain, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader, said: "The very nature of farming means that farming income varies significantly through the year or even over multiple years. Frankly, it shows a failure within the Department for Work and Pensions system to understand how farming works at all. To be blunt, without farmers we do not have food, so we must support them and the farming industry in every way we can."
Image:

Wendy Chamberlain, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader, said: "The very nature of farming means that farming income varies significantly through the year or even over multiple years. Frankly, it shows a failure within the Department for Work and Pensions system to understand how farming works at all. To be blunt, without farmers we do not have food, so we must support them and the farming industry in every way we can."

Universal Credit Farmers have faced extreme difficulty with the transition to Universal Credit, which is needed to sustain them during off seasons or less profitable months, sometimes years. The fact...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

Kubota M108 Duel Power 4WD Tractor

Kubota M108 Duel Power 4WD Tractor

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

New Deutz Fahr 8280TTV

New Deutz Fahr 8280TTV

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

New Kubota M6-142

New Kubota M6-142

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Farm Business

British Wool reports sharpest price increase in a decade as averages hit £1.18/kg

British Wool reports sharpest price increase in a decade as averages hit £1.18/kg

The most recent sale saw the ‘most intense level of competition in the last decade’

Alex Black
clock 11 October 2025 • 2 min read
Mairi Gougeon says SPS agreement is key to establish a closer relationship with the EU

Mairi Gougeon says SPS agreement is key to establish a closer relationship with the EU

The Cabinet Secretary attended this year’s largest food and beverage trade show with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) to shine a spotlight on Scottish red meat

clock 11 October 2025 • 2 min read
Government 'rethink' on Inheritance Tax proposals reportedly under consideration

Government 'rethink' on Inheritance Tax proposals reportedly under consideration

Changes could see full relief from IHT up to £5m per person (£10m for a married couple) where farmland or business assets form at least 60% of an estate

clock 10 October 2025 • 3 min read