Laura Sharman 21 January 2020

Universal Credit creating ‘a complex mix of winners and losers’

The impact Universal Credit is having on different parts of the country is being ‘ignored’ a think tank has warned today.

In a new report, the Resolution Foundation warned the reforms have created a ‘complex mix of winners and losers’ depending on where the claimant lives.

The long and winding road found that while families will receive £1 a week more on average under Universal Credit, ‘sizable’ groups of families will gain or lose by large sums.

For example, in the Liverpool City Region, just 32% of families will be better of under Universal Credit, compared to 52% who will be worse off. This difference is largely driven by Liverpool’s high proportion of single parents, out-of-work single people and disabled people.

The Foundation is calling on Government to increase the number of new claims paid on time and in full, make the childcare support in Universal Credit more flexible, and boost work allowances for single parents and second-earners.

Laura Gardiner, research director at the Resolution Foundation, said: ‘Welcome recent reforms mean that Universal Credit is now set to be marginally more generous than the benefits it is replacing. But this average hides a complex mix of winners and losers, with families in some areas of the UK faring particularly badly.

‘As well as making reforms at a national level – such as helping families to overcome the first payment hurdle and offering more flexibility for those with childcare – policy makers across the country need to better understand the effect Universal Credit will have in different places.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Financial Assessment Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£30,510 - £45,564 per annum
Financial Assessment Officer
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

HDRC Partnerships Officer

Essex County Council
£26786.00 - £31512.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
HDRC Partnerships OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,786 to £31,512 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Delivery Lead

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Lead the daily operations of our SEN service, ensuring every child receives the support they deserve. Working as an SEN Delivery Lead means being at t England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Complex Case Officer (SEN)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support children and young people with complex needs, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time. Working as a Complex Case Officer in ou England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Events Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £18.28 per hour
Events Officer- Harlow District CouncilHarlow, Essex Full time, Temporary £18.28 per hour PAYE Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner