William Eichler 26 August 2021

Universal Credit cuts to force two million people into debt

Universal Credit cuts to force two million people into debt image

Government plans to cut Universal Credit this October could push 2.3 million people into the red, Citizens Advice warns.

The Department for Work and Pensions plans to cut Universal Credit by £20 a week starting in October.

However, a survey of over 2,000 people on Universal Credit shows more than a third (38%) would be in debt after paying just their essential bills if their benefits drop by £20 a week. This is equivalent to at least 2.3 million people.

The figure rises to nearly half (49%) people on Universal Credit in ‘Red Wall’ areas.

The average shortfall for people tipped into the red would be £51 a month, increasing to £55 a month in ‘Red Wall’ areas.

Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, commented: ‘A cut to Universal Credit this autumn will be a hammer blow to millions of people.

‘It undermines our chance of a more equal recovery by tipping families into the red and taking money from the communities most in need.

‘The Government must listen to the growing consensus that it should reverse course and keep this vital lifeline.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner