Scrapping of £20 Universal Credit uplift 'a real worry', says Caithness advice service manager
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The manager of Caithness Citizens Advice Bureau has admitted that the scrapping of the temporary £20 increase in Universal Credit is "a real worry".
Sadie Kevill says the move will mean the hardest hit being "pushed into poverty" at a time when the furlough scheme is ending and with higher energy bills on the way.
North politicians have warned that ending the uplift will cause hardship to some of the most vulnerable people in society, with the loss of £1040 a year.
"The ending of the £20 Universal Credit uplift is a real worry," Mrs Kevill said. "The hardest hit will be the people who may already be struggling and as a result will be pushed into poverty.
"In Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross there will be over 5000 people affected who claim Universal Credit both in and out of employment.
"In addition, this autumn looks set to be an incredibly challenging one for people due to the ending of the furlough scheme, which runs the risk of job losses across the county, and higher energy bills will come as the energy price cap goes up in October."
She added: "We are here to give people the advice they need by contacting us at Caithness CAB. We can help with key money issues such as housing, social security, energy, utilities and council tax bills, which we are promoting through our 'Our Advice Adds Up' campaign."
The £20 increase to universal credit payments was introduced by the UK government last year in response to the pandemic. The arrangement comes to an end on October 6.
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone said recently that as many as 21 per cent of families in his constituency faced being left worse off.
He highlighted national data from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which estimated that the change to Universal Credit could force 500,000 people, almost half of them children, into poverty.
Mr Stone said: "People across Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross have had to pull themselves through this pandemic while dealing with an utterly incompetent government. This cut will do real damage to so many of our local families.
"There is no question that government has to reverse this needless cut and support normal working people here. Highland Liberal Democrats are calling for the Universal Credit uplift to be made permanent."
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd also called for the £20 uplift to be maintained.
“The Universal Credit uplift was introduced last year in response to the pandemic and has since been a vital lifeline to many families in my constituency," Ms Todd said recently.
“The Tories' plans to slash the benefit are reckless and will only further cement poverty and inflict hardship on our most vulnerable. A cut to benefits could not be more poorly timed."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has insisted that "the best way to take people out of poverty is to find them high-quality work".
- Caithness CAB's Thurso office number is 01847 894243 (Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm) and the Wick number is 01955 605989 (Tuesday to Thursday, 10am-2pm). Mrs Kevill said: "We can be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates of help and support."
