Universal Credit transition 'not fit for purpose' in supporting farming families

"Sometimes we go without eating so our children can eat. Despite already working over 80 hours, seven days a week, I was told I would need to get another job. It is appalling"

Chris Brayford
clock • 8 min read
North East Fife MP Wendy Chamberlain said: "Universal Credit in its current form simply does not work for the farming industry."
Image:

North East Fife MP Wendy Chamberlain said: "Universal Credit in its current form simply does not work for the farming industry."

The Government has faced pressure to urgently review a living cost payment to support farming families struggling to make ends meet. Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, has written a letter...

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 Politics

New NFU Cymru president and deputy president elected

New NFU Cymru president and deputy president elected

Cardiff dairy farmer Abi Reader has been unanimously elected as the new president of NFU Cymru, with livestock farmer Paul Williams to be deputy

clock 20 January 2026 • 3 min read
Welsh Tories oust farming MS over Reform defection links

Welsh Tories oust farming MS over Reform defection links

Could former Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary and farmer James Evans be about to join Reform?

Chris Brayford
clock 20 January 2026 • 2 min read
Debate secured to stop 'rural antagonising' shotgun licence merger

Debate secured to stop 'rural antagonising' shotgun licence merger

Shotgun ownership is an essential tool of work within rural and land-based industries, but has the Government taken a 'one-sided view' which will pose a risk to farmers' livelihoods?

Chris Brayford
clock 20 January 2026 • 4 min read