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

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner