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

Aldi commits to securing 50% of domestic produce by 2027 through multi-year deals

Aldi commits to securing 50% of domestic produce by 2027 through multi-year deals

The supermarket aims to back British farmers by increasing the number of long-term agreements the supermarket has in place with British producers and horticulture suppliers

clock 07 March 2026 • 1 min read
Farming Matters: Helen Brookes – "From a farmer's perspective, new technologies must show a clear and measurable impact on the bottom line"

Farming Matters: Helen Brookes – "From a farmer's perspective, new technologies must show a clear and measurable impact on the bottom line"

This week's opinion from throughout the world of agriculture: Helen Brookes, engagement director at the UK Agri-Tech Centre

Helen Brookes
clock 07 March 2026 • 3 min read
OPINION : Are will disputes a ticking time bomb for farm businesses?

OPINION : Are will disputes a ticking time bomb for farm businesses?

Roythornes' Gavin Faber takes a look at how farmers can minimise the risk of will and inheritance disputes

Gavin Faber
clock 06 March 2026 • 3 min read