SMI is another cack-handed benefit change

Figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that 29,000 Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) loan claimants still haven't been successfully contacted by the Department, one month after the changes came into force.  The update on the uptake of SMI loans also shows that of those contacted, 60% or 45,000 have turned it down, meaning they have lost the payment. Commenting on these figures, which are accurate as of 16th May 2018, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions Spokesperson Stephen Lloyd said:  “These lamentable figures show that thousands of people have still not responded to the significant changes on mortgage interest loans being pushed by the DWP. "Is this because they are closing their eyes and hoping it will go away or is it because their vulnerability means they just don’t understand what the change means? Who knows. "What it does prove is this is yet another cack-handed benefit change by the Tories which is wholly unnecessary, and is already causing anxiety amongst some of our most disadvantaged, marginalised citizens. "Even at this late stage I would urge the Government to cease the roll-out before even more people end up in greater debt.”