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.
