51AVÊÓÆµ

Wendy Chamberlain - North East Fife MP - on Universal Credit: "Because of the system change, someone producing our food, cannot afford to eat. This is just not ok"

The Liberal Democrats MP has spoken about the difficulties farming families face in accessing Universal Credit support and why a change in system has left farmers going hungry

Chris Brayford
clock • 6 min read
Wendy Chamberlain, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader, said: "The very nature of farming means that farming income varies significantly through the year or even over multiple years. Frankly, it shows a failure within the Department for Work and Pensions system to understand how farming works at all. To be blunt, without farmers we do not have food, so we must support them and the farming industry in every way we can."
Image:

Wendy Chamberlain, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader, said: "The very nature of farming means that farming income varies significantly through the year or even over multiple years. Frankly, it shows a failure within the Department for Work and Pensions system to understand how farming works at all. To be blunt, without farmers we do not have food, so we must support them and the farming industry in every way we can."

Universal Credit Farmers have faced extreme difficulty with the transition to Universal Credit, which is needed to sustain them during off seasons or less profitable months, sometimes years. The fact...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on 51AVÊÓÆµBusiness

New study aims to help Scottish farmers negotiate agricultural transition

New study aims to help Scottish farmers negotiate agricultural transition

Farmers say red tape and financial risk preventing engagement with schemes

clock 27 November 2025 • 3 min read
Five key takeaways from the Budget and how it will impact your farm business

Five key takeaways from the Budget and how it will impact your farm business

While financial experts have welcomed the concession on Inheritance Tax, several other measures were introduced which could leave farmers worse off

clock 27 November 2025 • 5 min read
Milkshakes and coffees to be hit with new 'sugar tax'

Milkshakes and coffees to be hit with new 'sugar tax'

Dairy products including yoghurt drinks and chocolate milk could fall foul of new rules as Gov says tax will cut obesity rates and raise £40m for Treasury

clock 25 November 2025 • 4 min read