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

 

More on Farm Business

Farmers warned delays to purchasing fertiliser could overwhelm supply chain

Farmers warned delays to purchasing fertiliser could overwhelm supply chain

Agricultural Industries Confederation has warned the fertiliser supply chain has a 'practical limitation' and it cannot process all seasonal demand at the 'last minute'

Rachael Brown
clock 01 September 2026 • 2 min read
How farmers can make sure they are prepared for SFI26 Window 2

How farmers can make sure they are prepared for SFI26 Window 2

The second window was expected to open on September 22

Alex Black
clock 01 September 2026 • 4 min read
Defra's Capital Grants scheme now closed

Defra's Capital Grants scheme now closed

Rural Payments Agency confirmed that the scheme received 17,000 applicants, with over half of the applicants applying for a Capital Grants agreement for the first time

Rachael Brown
clock 01 September 2026 • 3 min read