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Vulnerable families across Liverpool are bracing themselves for the full impact of Universal Credit - a benefit reform that is already pushing people into poverty.

This week, Job Centres in the deprived areas of Everton and West Derby switched claimants over to the troubled system, despite voices from all over imploring the government to halt the roll-out after the many problems that have been reported.

In Liverpool, the country's 2nd most destitute city, people are taking things into their own hands to help out the most vulnerable neighbours -they know that to sit, wait and hope for a change of heart from this government would be living in fantasy land.

The city council

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Liverpool City Council is doing more than most local authorities as it seeks to stop people falling into poverty because of delays and problems with Universal Credit.

The council predict that as many as 55,000 people in Liverpool will eventually get Universal Credit.

Despite its own serious funding cuts, the council has a number of areas of support that it is offering to families and people who are or will be affected by problems with Universal Credit.

These include the Mayoral Hardship Fund and Citizen Support Scheme - pots of cash to help with food and clothing.

And all this against a backdrop of swingeing cuts to the council's budget - which will amount to a whopping £444m since 2010 by the year 2020.

(Image: PA)

Mayor Joe Anderson has employed a policy of 'Invest to Earn' in a bid to raise funds for the city - but says anything made is now spent on helping people to stay afloat.

He said: "We are bringing millions of pounds in in this way, but rather than being able to grow the economy - we are having to use it to keep supporting people, because the government is hitting the city with the double whammy of budget cuts and Universal Credit."

Passionate politicians



Those elected into office are often easy targets for criticism - but on the issue of Universal Credit and the potential impacts on people in Liverpool - its politicians are stepping up.

The likes of Mayor Anderson, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Walton MP Dan Carden have repeatedly carried the fight over this flawed benefits policy to government.

Whether through powerful statements in Parliament, to letters to Ministers and a constant highlighting of the issues emanating from the Universal Credit roll-out, they are using their platforms in the best way possible.

In another helpful move, Metro Mayor Rotheram issued hundreds of free bus tickets to those relying on foodbanks, to take the headache of travel costs away from those who can't even afford to put food on the table.

The people

As is so often the case -Scousers have come out in force when their fellow residents need it the most.

Whether it is the hundreds of people who volunteer at foodbanks each week or simply those sending messages of support or donations to some of the people we have featured in the ECHO - Liverpool is fighting back against Universal Credit.

(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

Take the Fans Supporting Foodbanks team - a group of everyday Scousers who give up their own time each week at Liverpool and Everton matches in order to collect vital supplies to pass on to the North Liverpool Foodbank.

Most recently, they team have been holding an extra push for items to recognise the roll-out of Universal Credit and the problems they believe it will bring.

So what do the government say?



Well according to the Government, the huge numbers of people reporting issues and calling for a halt to Universal Credit have got it all wrong.

In a response to the ECHO, the Department of Work and Pensions said: "Universal Credit is simplifying the system and revolutionising welfare by making work pay.

"It also helps those who are in work to increase their hours and earnings.

Minister for Employment Alok Sharma said: “Universal Credit is central to our commitment to help families improve their lives by moving into work.

"We know it’s working – with Universal Credit people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system.

(Image: Geoff Davies)

“And now we are rolling it out to a wider range of people in a safe and controlled way.

"From today, more people, including families and disabled people, can claim Universal Credit and access the extra help it provides.

"In Everton and West Derby single jobseekers are already receiving support from their dedicated work coach to find employment or increase their hours and earnings.

"Now, all types of claimants will be able to benefit from the improved, personalised, one-to-one support that Universal Credit offers."



So despite the warnings and the tales of pain, this government would have you believe Universal Credit is actually making people's lives better.

People in this city think otherwise - and they are stepping in to help.