MORE must be done to improve the roll-out of Universal Credit following a number of problems in the Sedgemoor, it had been claimed this week.

Sedgemoor has been one of the pilot areas for the scheme but Bridgwater Citizens Advice Bureau has highlighted a number of problems including long waits for payment, difficulties with the online claiming system and getting hold of assistance from the Department of Work and Pensions.

Andy Lewis of West Somerset Labour and Bridgwater Cllr Mick Lerry have called on MP Ian Liddell-Grainger to bring the issue to the attention of ministers, and Mr Liddell-Grainger agreed.

"Andy is quite right to bring this to my attention," he said. I have already been taking up cases on behalf of my constituents and will continue to do so.

"If anyone is having problems with Universal Credit please bring it to the attention of my office and we will work to improve the situation sooner rather than later."

Universal Credit is a replacement for a group of other benefits, including Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit.

Sedgemoor Labour leader Cllr Lerry said: “We should not be experiencing a time when those people who rely on 'hard work' are facing a decline in their living standards.

“Unemployment does not appear to be the problem locally it is in fact low wages. All people should be entitled to a basic income that allows individuals and families to live without the fear of debt and homelessness.

"Such a policy would allow families and individuals to investment in their future and the local economy. Business and employers can rely on welfare to boost the wages of employees, which is really a subsidy for employers while employees remain on low wages. Citizens who pay their taxes are paying for this subsidy.”