Universal Credit

We can’t let this happen. The government is planning to cut the £20 a week boost to Universal Credit – which has been a vital lifeline for the millions of us, struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over our head during this crisis. [1]

But nothing is set in stone. As you read this email, fierce debates are happening in government about whether to extend the extra £20. [2] Already they are coming under intense pressure to do the right thing this November, when deciding how much support people will get next year from Universal Credit and other benefits. [3]

So Joanna has set up a petition for this boost to stay in place. And what happens next Grace, is down to all of us.

Here’s the plan. If the government U-turns of the last few months have shown us anything, it’s that when the public takes a stand, the Prime Minister listens. [5] A huge wave of public pressure, like never before, will send a clear message: don’t take away this vital lifeline from those of us already struggling to keep afloat during this pandemic.

Grace will you sign Joanna’s petition today, calling on the government to keep this social security lifeline and stop millions of people being cut adrift? 

SIGN THE PETITION

The £20 a week boost to Universal Credit was introduced at the start of the pandemic, by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, to help people cope with the extra costs of Covid-19. [6] But it’s set to end in April next year. And without it, millions of families, like that of petition starter Joanna, will be cut adrift.

“The extra £20 has made a huge difference. It means I can afford one weekly shop, which is good because I am isolating. Without it I don’t know what I’d do. If the £20 is taken away I’d struggle to keep the gas and electric on and do my weekly shop.” – Joanna

None of us have lived through anything like this before. We’re facing huge challenges – from the pandemic to a recession. [7] But there are millions of us reading this email – many of whom rely on Universal Credit, and some who might need to in the next few months. So whoever you are, and whatever your situation – it’s on every single one of us to speak up.

Grace, will you sign Joanna’s petition now? 

SIGN THE PETITION

Thanks for being involved,

Sana, Ruby, Robin and the 38 Degrees team.

P.S. This campaign is set up in partnership with The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. You can read more about the campaign here.

P.P.S. If you are worried about your finances, you can contact Citizens Advice here, or if you are struggling to pay your rent or facing eviction, you can visit Shelter’s housing advice page here.