Government is planning to cut in 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  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.

 

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.