THE government states that Universal Credit is a good idea and amalgamates six existing benefits, but in fact it has created new ones such as new style Employment and Support Allowance and new style Jobseeker’s Allowance.

People can wait up to 10 weeks to be paid in some circumstances. Universal credit is, in reality, a cost saving measure and whilst the earlier system may not have been perfect, this is far worse.

The only local defender of the system I can find is Test Valley Borough Council Leader Councillor Phil North, but if he was a victim of the system surely even he would change his mind?

At least Cllr Ian Carr did not authorise the demolition of the George Yard toilets — Phil North did.

I would urge voters to consider that when he comes up for re-election later this year.

Richard Kidd, Genoa Court, Andover