Citizens Advice Wigan Borough joins coalition of organisations opposing planned cut to Universal Credit
Citizens Advice Wigan Borough has joined up with a coalition of charities across Greater Manchester to express concerns around the planned cut to Universal Credit.
In October, hundreds of thousands of Greater Manchester residents will face an overnight loss of £20 a week if the Government ploughs on with the planned cut to Universal Credit.
The coalition of organisations includes Citizens Advice branches from across Greater Manchester. The group has written directly to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging him to stop the planned cut to Universal Credit.
The letter sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
Lisa Kidston, Chief Officer, says:
“At a time when our region is recovering from the economic impact of coronavirus, this cut could be devastating to Greater Manchester. If the cut goes ahead, it will remove over £193 million from our regional economy, damaging businesses and putting jobs at risk. It will also push many parents out of work as they lose their entitlement to Universal Credit and the benefit’s childcare element.
The impact on Wigan, Leigh, and Makerfield residents’ wellbeing, as well as the impact on the region’s economy, are in direct opposition to the Government’s ‘Levelling Up Agenda’ and risk worsening the north-south economic divide.
Harming the region’s economy and risking an increase in child poverty will have a long-lasting impact on our region. This is why we have joined this coalition of organisations committed to advocating for residents and businesses across Greater Manchester, to urge the Government to reconsider the planned cut.”
‘Keep Universal Credit lifeline’ urges Citizens Advice Wigan Borough
Benefits cut of £20-a-week set to hit 1 in 6 in Wigan Borough
Local charity warns of increased debt and hardship if ‘lifeline’ ends in October
Citizens Advice Wigan Borough is urging the government against a cut to Universal Credit that would impact 1 in 6 working-age people in Wigan Borough.
According to the latest available figures, approximately 40% of residents set to see their benefits drop are families with children and 38% are already in work.
Staff and volunteers at the local charity have helped 2,772 people with Universal Credit since March last year. It says the £20 a week increase has been a ‘lifeline’ and has supported people who were already struggling before the pandemic as well as those hit by Covid job losses.
The charity warns a cut to the benefit this autumn - as energy bills rise with the colder weather - will see many struggle to afford their essential costs. It fears a drop in income could be particularly difficult for new benefits claimants who may be unaware of the looming cut.
Lisa Kidston, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Wigan Borough, said:
“Every day, our staff and volunteers see the difference the increase to Universal Credit has made to families. It’s what has helped them keep their heads above water.
“Without that extra money, we fear we’ll see more people coming to us in debt, unable to pay their bills or needing to turn to food banks because they can’t afford the essentials.
“As we look to rebuild from Covid, the government must invest in the benefits system and keep this vital lifeline.”