Ellie Ames 20 February 2024

Majority on Universal Credit cannot afford enough food

Majority on Universal Credit cannot afford enough food image
Image: HASPhotos / Shutterstock.com

New research reveals the ‘devastating’ consequences of the inadequate Universal Credit system, according to anti-poverty charity The Trussell Trust.

More than half (55%) of people claiming the benefit ran out of food and could not afford to buy more last month, and almost a quarter (22%) were unable to cook because they could not afford to use their oven in the last three months, YouGov research has found.

A quarter (26%) of people also said they missed an essential appointment, such as work or a GP visit, because they could not afford to travel in the last three months.

Two in five (43%) reported being unable to keep their home warm this winter.

The Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie said: ‘This research emphasises the stark truth about poverty across the UK and the Government cannot stand by and let this continue.

‘They must act now to implement permanent solutions that alleviate the hardship faced by so many and prevent people from spiralling deeper into poverty.’

The Trussell Trust has joined calls for the chancellor to extend the Household Support Fund in the Spring Budget, and has urged the Government to introduce an essentials guarantee to Universal Credit.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Strategic Director – Place-Based Services

Stevenage Borough Council
£Competitive
Stevenage is a town with bold ambitions. Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stevenage Borough Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
Make the change, be the difference to our children, our future. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Assist Response Officer

Mansfield District Council
£16,055.87 - £17,113.37 per annum (for 22.5 hours per week)
Mansfield District Council are looking for a dedicated individual to join our award winning ASSIST support scheme. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Town Centre Operative

Mansfield District Council
£25,583 - £25,989 per annum
Working in local government is a rewarding experience Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Resettlement Officer

Ashfield District Council
£28,598 - £31,022 per annum
Would you like to work in our Housing Options Team helping people to settle in the local community? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner