Scandal of hero troops forced to rely on benefits

Universal Credit up 30% to 3,900 in yr

- JOHN SIDDLE

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.”