Millions will fall into poverty with cuts to benefit, warns mayor
THE Mayor of Leicester fears millions will now fall into poverty as the government brings to an end its £20 uplift in universal credit.
Sir Peter Soulsby made the damning prediction on the day the £20 uplift, which was brought in to support those on low incomes during the coronavirus pandemic, was withdrawn.
In an angry Tweet, Sir
Peter feared the worst, predicting millions would be affected by the move.
“Decision to take £20 uplift away from most vulnerable households will see millions fall into poverty,” he said.
On average, the move means any person under 25 receiving universal credit will see their weekly allowance drop from £79 to £59.
The estimates, made by think tank The Resolution Foundation, also believe couples aged over 25 will see their allowance fall from £137 a week to £117.
Calling for an urgent U-turn on the matter, Sir Peter said the government should not end the “lifeline” to many in the city.
“A lifeline for so many families, particularly in #Leicester. Government must reconsider,” he added.
The government slashed benefits by £20 a week, which is the equivalent to £1,040 a year, from Wednesday.
Citizens Advice Leicestershire have been campaigning against the cut.
Richard Evans at Citizens Advice
LeicesterShire, said: “If you’re in this position, remember you are not alone and there is support available. As a first step, make sure you’re checking your online journal regularly so you know how much your benefits will reduce by and when.
“Citizens Advice LeicesterShire, which is campaigning against the cut, is on hand to help you if you’re worried about making ends meet.”
The cuts will affect 70,525 people in Leicester and across Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston.
According to the latest available figures, about 43 per cent of residents set to see their benefits drop are families with children and 42 per cent are already in work.
While every universal credit claim will drop by around £85 a month, the proportion of income claimants will lose will vary depending on their circumstances. Single people under 25 are set to be hit by the biggest drop.
Monthly standard allowances will
A lifeline for so many families, particularly in Leicester. Government must reconsider
Tweet by Sir Peter Soulsby, right
drop: By a quarter for single claimants under 25, from £344 to £257.33;
By a fifth for single claimants over 25, from £411.51 to £324.84;
By 17 per cent for joint claimants under 25, from £490.60 to £403.93;
By 14 per cent for joint claimants over 25, from £596.58 to £509.91.