Half UC claimants fear £20 cut will leave them in crisis

ALMOST half of Universal Credit claimants believe they won’t manage after the £20-a-week cut from October.

Of the rest, 18% told a poll they did not know if they’d manage, leaving 35% confident they’ll make ends meet this winter.

Overall some 61% said it would be harder to afford food, 48% said it would be tougher to cover essential bills

BENEFIT CUT The DWP and 37% said it would be more difficult to pay for books and toys.

Save the Children commissioned the poll of 1,008 benefit claimants by Opinium. A joint statement by The Big Issue, Crisis and Nationwide today demands the Tories cancel the cut. It says the changes risk pushing many into poverty.

The Government said: “Universal Credit has provided a vital safety net for six million in the pandemic.”