Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice: "Keep Universal Credit lifeline"

The charity says the removal of the Universal Credit uplift this Autumn will mean the difference between some people 'eating or keeping warm'.

Staff and volunteers at the local charity have helped over two thousand people with Universal Credit since March last year.

They say the cut of £20 per week will hit one in six people there and mean increased debt and hardship and they're urging the government against a the cut, which they say would impact one in six working-age people in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

According to the latest available figures, approximately 40% of residents set to see their benefits drop are families with children and 42% are already in work. 

They're called the £20-a-week increase, a 'lifeline,' which has supported people who were struggling before the pandemic and those directly affected by it. 

Cases seen by frontline advisers include: 

• A client returning to work as a carer with a young baby and currently in receipt of Universal Credit and Maternity Pay. With the uplift, she can afford childcare so she can return to work.
• A client unable to work due to physical and mental health conditions who is managing the household finances for the first time since their relationship breakdown, and is heavily reliant on contributions from their son, including his disability benefits. Their current Universal Credit rate just covers their bills but after the cut, they’ll be getting deeper into debt every month and feel they’ll need to rely on food banks and charitable support.

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.

Charlie Young, Projects Manager of Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice said:

“The financial impact of the pandemic has resulted in many people turning to the benefit system for the first time in their lives, whether that’s to replace or supplement their income.

“The removal of the uplift this Autumn will result in people having to make the choice between eating or keeping warm; a choice no one should have to make in Great Britain in 2021.

“The affect of the cut will be felt by working people as well as job-seekers, those with children and those without, as well as disabled people and people unable to work.”

One client described the current uplift as a “lifesaver” that allowed them to get their finances back under control, after they were faced with reduced working hours and bills piling up.

Luca Badioli, Chief Officer of Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice 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’d see more people coming to us in debt, unable to pay their bills or turning 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.”

If you’re worried about the impact of the proposed benefit cut, you can contact Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice on 0808 279 6979 or visit their website to see other ways to access their service, including their face-to-face and video services (www.arunchichestercab.org.uk).