Universal Credit is being launched for Grenfell Tower survivors just days before Christmas.

Poor residents in the blackened shadow of the burnt-out tower block, where a fire killed 72 last summer, will start being put on the all-in-one benefit from December 12.

It comes despite UC, which combines six old benefits into a new system, fuelling a rise in rent debt and food banks.

The date means anyone moving onto UC will have to apply for an advance loan from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - or face a Christmas without benefits.

Grenfell neighbours and survivors who are already on benefits shouldn't be moved to UC until next summer at least.

But anyone whose circumstances change, or who makes a fresh claim for benefits, will be hit.
A fire in Grenfell Tower killed 72 last summer (
Image:
PA)
Anyone moving onto UC will have to apply for an advance - or face Christmas without benefits (
Image:
UIG via Getty Images)

Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad told HuffPost UK: “We are dreading it.

"Just a week before Christmas, they should have a bit of a heart. I don’t think anybody should be put on this failed system but particularly anyone affected by Grenfell.

“A lot of the families are still struggling."

Robert Atkinson, leader of the Labour group on Kensington and Chelsea council, added: “This is yet another blow to the people of this city who have had to endure an awful lot in the last 18 months.

“It’s a blatantly unfair system anyway, but I think there’s a special case for north Kensington. I’m shocked that they tried to sneak this out on a day when everyone was looking at the Budget."

Kensington Jobcentre, covering postcodes W8, W10 and W11, is one of the last in the country to have Universal Credit introduced after it was delayed in the wake of the disaster.

This week's Budget revealed a £1.7billion-a-year help package for claimants plus an extra £1billion to help people as they transition on to UC.

The work allowance - the amount you can earn before benefits are clawed back - will rise by £1,000 a year for families and the disabled.

The Treasury claimed that would give 2.4million families an extra £630 a year.
The DWP has insisted it will pay everyone what they are due (
Image:
Getty)

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A DWP source said people can apply for an advance payment to bridge the gap, and housing benefit will carry on for two weeks of the five-week waiting period.

The five-week period will not be extended due to the Christmas break, the DWP insisted.

A spokesman said: “The Grenfell fire was a horrific tragedy and our thoughts remain with those affected.

“Following last year’s events, DWP jobcentre staff handled people’s claims with sensitivity and flexibility and extra support was put in place for anyone who needed it – including applying exceptional circumstances rules to protect benefit payments for affected residents.

“The timetable for Universal Credit rollout has been available for some time and is on track for completion in December 2018.”