Cutting Universal Credit uplift could see homelessness in Norfolk spiral
Universal Credit was increased by £20 a week during the pandemic, to help support those on low-income
Plans to cut Universal Credit could lead to more people sleeping on Norfolk's streets, according to a rough-sleeping charity in Norwich.
It comes as we exclusively reveal that 1 in 6 young people claiming Universal Credit think they'll be forced to skip meals if the Government doesn't keep the uplift.
Figures from the Trussell Trust also show 88 thousand people in the East will struggle to heat their homes, while 93 thousand will have difficulty paying bills.
Recipients of the benefit will see their levels of support decrease by 20 pounds a week on October the 6th. This comes after the amount being given was temporarily increased during the pandemic.
Jan Sheldon from St. Martins charity in Norwich told us that the Government should "think very very careful" about their decision and the impacts it could have.
She continued by saying that the cut will affect those that are "just about managing", the most.
She told us that "although the measure was temporary" the removal of this support could result in many not being able to pay their rent or mortgage.
"If somebody can't make those payments, then this means they are going to end up on the street."
While Ms Sheldon called the level of homelessness in Norfolk "steady", she warned that the charity was only "just about holding their own" when it came to welcoming in new people.
She told us that she was very concerned that cuts to Universal Credit "could make all the difference" and see people "spiral into debt and homelessness."
She concluded by saying that 20 pounds a month "can make all the difference between somebody keeping a roof over their head and losing it."
This comes after Peter Aldous, Conservative MP for Waveney wrote to the Prime Minister arguing this increased level of support should be retained, permanent:
According to data from the Office for National Statistics at least 70 people are living on the streets in Norfolk.