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Julia Unwin, Chief Executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, commented:

"Today's report makes for alarming reading but it does not change the fact that fundamental reform of the welfare system is central to making it work for everyone who needs it. Too much change has already happened to stop the policy in its tracks now.  Both the design and delivery of Universal Credit needs to be reviewed so that it gives real support to the most vulnerable and the best possible incentives to work.  Abandoning or drastically scaling back the policy would be a betrayal of the commitment made by all parties to tackling poverty.

I urge all parties to use the evidence available to further shape this system and ensure it is fit for the future. We need to get this policy back on track."