Politician calls for £20 benefit rise to remain

THE chairman of Charnwood Constituency Labour Party has condemned the government’s ending of the £20 universal credit increase, saying thousands of people will be hit hard.

Introduced in response to the pandemic, the government’s £20 “uplift” is set to be phased out completely by October 6.

Bob Boulton said the move – which stands to affect about 100,000 people in Leicester and Leicestershire – would have a devastating impact.

He said: “We know average wages in Charnwood are below the national average and that this money is crucial to many people.

“Taking it away just at the point when families and individuals are getting back on their feet following the pandemic could see many fall into severe financial difficulties.

“Nationally, it is estimated it will push half a million people into poverty.

“At Charnwood Labour Party, we are campaigning strongly against this move because of the impact it will have on ordinary people and their lives, and are urging voters to write to their MP, Edward Argar, or the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to make their views known.

“To us, this is not a party political issue, but simply about making sure people in our area have sufficient resources to live their lives without fear of cold or hunger, especially with winter now on the way.

“Everyone should have that right.

“This will hit hard everyone from ordinary working families to carers through to those looking for a job.

“Many people who will feel they have played their part during the pandemic are going to be affected.”