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LIVE: @jrf_uk UK Poverty 2020: Report and Findings webinar, discussing poverty levels pre-, and changes during, the pandemic, and how we can avoid another decade of deprivation.
Even before the pandemic, 22 in every 100 individuals in UK were living in poverty.
Incomes for the poorest households haven't grown in the last 10 year. In fact, their incomes are falling faster than any other group, in part bec. benefits lost around 10% of their value.
Incomes for the poorest households haven't grown in the last 10 year. In fact, their incomes are falling faster than any other group, in part bec. benefits lost around 10% of their value.
During the pandemic:
Income losses have been felt across every income group, lowering the UK medium income.
The UK gov. have brought in various benefit changes and policies, incl. ÂŁ20 uplift in UC, to help those on low incomes.
BUT 
Income losses have been felt across every income group, lowering the UK medium income. The UK gov. have brought in various benefit changes and policies, incl. ÂŁ20 uplift in UC, to help those on low incomes.BUT
Incomes have decreased most for those at the lower end of the income scale. Unemployment has risen and lowest earners are more vulnerable to job losses. Those affected by the benefit cap are not entitled to receive the additional ÂŁ20 from UC payments.
Discussing Universal Credit, @SCrabbPembs MP points out that, while helpful, the ÂŁ20 uplift only partially restores the squeeze that's taken place in the last 10 years on working-age benefits.
He says it's "wrong in principle" to take the extra income away from recipients.
He says it's "wrong in principle" to take the extra income away from recipients.
. @SCrabbPembs goes on to say that the welfare system, far from being a bad thing, is essential in keeping families afloat and avoiding destitution.
We must continue to promote the welfare system as a critical public service, key to a more just society and a stronger economy.
We must continue to promote the welfare system as a critical public service, key to a more just society and a stronger economy.
