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New findings from @TrussellTrust today reveal the scale of what is at stake if the govt goes ahead with removing the ÂŁ20 uplift to #UniversalCredit in April. The country looks set for a tidal wave of hardship unless they #keepthelifeline 1/
Our research shows 20% of all people on UC are âvery likelyâ to need a food bank if the uplift is removed. Thatâs the equivalent of 1.2 million people.
Many more will face hunger - 41% say they will cut back on food. This comes on top of already record levels of need 2/
Many more will face hunger - 41% say they will cut back on food. This comes on top of already record levels of need 2/
The govt has said âno child will go hunger as a result of govt inattentionâ. But thatâs exactly what will happen of uplift is removed - a quarter of a million families fear they will cut food for their children if the uplift is removed. This is unconcienscable.
An important message coming through the research is this isnât about âfood povertyâ - itâs about poverty across the board. Even greater numbers say they will need to cut back on clothing, heating, paying bills. The answer cannot be food - it must be improved social security.
It also makes no economic sense to remove this lifeline at a time when the economy is in the doldrums. 72% said the uplift made buying essentials easier - this is money which is spent, not saved.
There has been talk of one off payments and short term extensions - these would simply delay hardship, not tackle it. People need security and stability to plan, and with unemployment expected to peak later this year, a 3 to 6 month extension would not give adequate protection.
Thatâs why with our partners we are calling on govt to #Keepthelifeline in the long-term, and extend it to people on legacy benefits. Anything less would be a terrible failure of those who are struggling most. https://www.trusselltrust.org/2021/02/04/our-new-report-calls-for-the-20-universal-credit-uplift-to-be-extended/
