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

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner