Camden Council leader Georgia Gould campaigns against Universal Credit at Kilburn High Road station

Camden leader Georgia Gould was among a team of Labour activists and councillors at Kilburn High Road Station gathering signatures for a petition against the roll-out of Universal Credit.

Universal Credit is a benefit payment that merges six different and separate benefits including income support, housing benefit and job seekers allowance.

Although people living in some Camden postcodes have been able to claim Universal Credit since June, the roll-out reaches the majority of the borough in December.

Georgia told the Ham&High: “We’re really concerned about the stories from other places. The impact it’s had on other people, sending them to food banks, and we’re worried the same thing is going to happen here.”

Camden Council estimate 5,000 people across the borough will be worse off under the new benefit regime.

“We’ve already got residents who are forced to choose between paying for heating, food and rent, we’re worried this is going to push them over the edge.” Georgia said. “They’re desperate. This has to stop.”