Universal credit helpline closure could hit poorest over Xmas, says MP

Labour’s Frank Field says ‘chaos’ could leave some without money for food, lighting and heatingSome universal credit claimants are at risk of destitution over Christmas because a vital helpline will only be fully operational for two out of 10 days over the holiday, an MP has warned.Labour MP Frank Field, chair of the Commons work and pensions committee, has urged the government to keep the universal credit helpline open during the Christmas break for claimants at risk of spendi