Mark Whitehead 27 February 2023

Benefits £140 a month below everyday costs

Benefits £140 a month below everyday costs  image
Image: Grusho Anna/Shutterstock.com.

Poverty campaigners have called for a shakeup in the UK’s welfare system after finding that benefits are at least £140 a month below basic everyday costs.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and food bank network the Trussell Trust say payments under the Universal Credit scheme are at least £140 a month below the real cost of food, energy and other essentials.

They have calculated the weekly cost of a basic existence at £120 for a single adult and £200 for a couple, based on a basket of goods and services including food, energy, travel, mobile phone and internet use.

But after April’s 10.1% benefits increase, the Universal Credit standard allowance which is meant to cover basic living costs will be £85 a week for a single adult aged over 25 and £134 a week for a couple.

The charities say the value of benefits has fallen to a 40-year low in real terms as a result of freezes and cuts.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation chief executive Paul Kissack said: ‘With millions of low-income households going without essentials like food and heating, and food bank use at record levels, it is plain the system is failing.

‘It is time to build a system that is needs-tested – where the support people get is linked to the actual costs of essentials.’

Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie said: ‘People have cut and cut, but you cannot budget if your budget isn’t enough.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner