Call to keep 'lifeline' funding increase in Buckinghamshire
Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire is calling on the government to allow the £20 uplift Universal Credit users to continue over winter
The £20 Universal Credit increase was created as a temporary solution to help people during the pandemic, but as plans to remove it loom, people are speaking out against the change and say it is 'too early.'
For areas like High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire where the rates of food poverty are at some of the highest levels in the country, Citizens Advice are concerned that deducting their income even more will lead to challenges over the winter months, as people have to choose how to spend their money. Some concerns have been raised that they may sometimes have to choose between heating their homes and buying food supplies.
A petition has been set up by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to keep the £20 lifeline beyond October when it is due to end, and extend it to people on legacy benefits. It has gained 188, 419 signatures so far.
Petition starter Joanna noted on her petition:
"The Government has a choice: to go ahead with its plan to cut support by £20 a week this October, adding to the insecurity people face, or keep this lifeline and the stability families need."
"It must also ensure people who are still receiving legacy benefits, many of whom are disabled or carers, are no longer left out of this vital improvement to support."
Those who claim Universal Credit are paid twice a month through the government scheme, and are often labelled as being 'working poor', meaning they work essential jobs that keep society moving but face low salaries.
Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire is also speaking out against the government's decision, and is urging people from Buckinghamshire to take action to keep the lifeline by getting in touch with their local MPs.
Jane Mordue said: "Local MPs are very able to react if they get enough contacts in their digital post box... tell people what you think and what you would like to see happening. It's about all of us pushing and working together to say this is not right."
She added: "If we're hoping to have a fair return to a normal life, this is just not fair. It's going to incredibly unequal, and the people who are only just managing; it's going to affect them most."