Scandal of hero troops forced to rely on benefits
The Sunday Mirror|July 16, 2023
Universal Credit up 30% to 3,900 in yr
JOHN SIDDLE
Scandal of hero troops forced to rely on benefits

THOUSANDS of members of the armed forces are having to claim benefits to make ends meet. 

Some 3,900 relied on Universal Credit in May – and the number on handouts has soared by 30% in a year.

The Department for Work and Pensions admitted the true figures may be much higher because the data only reflected 64% of claimants and excluded Northern Ireland.

The figures, released in response to a parliamentary question, were blasted by Labour and the Lib Dems.

Shadow armed forces minister Luke Pollard said: “Personnel should not be forced to rely on benefits to pay the bills, or food banks to feed families.”

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