Families in Scotland claiming Universal Credit may be £290 worse off if the UK Government does not up the benefit in line with inflation, according to the Liberal Democrats
Prime Minister Liz Truss and Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng have thus far not committed to increasing the benefit, even though previous Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to boost benefits in April 2023.
As reported by the Daily Record, the UK Government is considering increasing Universal Credit in line with average earnings rather than inflation.
READ MORE — Edinburgh property: Inside the island cottage cheaper than a city flat
However, this would see people in couples both claiming the benefit face a £290 real-terms reduction in their benefits.
According to research carried out by the House of Commons Library and commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, regular pay has increased on average by only 5.4 per cent, while inflation is expected to be 10 per cent.
A household consisting of two people over 25 years old claiming Universal Credit would have their benefits cut by £290 in real terms in 2023 if benefits were increased in line with earnings instead of inflation.
The Liberal Democrats are demanding that Conservative ministers commit to increasing benefits in line with inflation in the next 24 hours.
MP for North West Fife Wendy Chamberlain said: "This Government is utterly heartless. Every hour they refuse to give support to some of society’s most vulnerable is an hour in which they lose all decency.
"The Conservatives are acting like Robin Hood in reverse, taking away from struggling families to fund tax cuts for the wealthiest companies.
"Liz Truss must show some leadership and commit to up-rating benefits in line with inflation in the next 24 hours, to prevent sleepless nights for families across the country."
Among the Conservatives who have urged the Prime Minister not to cut benefits are two serving ministers and five former Work and Pensions Secretaries, as well as the architect of Universal Credit.
READ MORE —
Over 500,000 DWP Universal Credit claimants denied cost of living payment
Mum calls out stepson's fiancée for 'demoting' her during wedding
Martin Lewis shares how to 'calculate energy cost' of household appliances
OVO to give customers money for cutting back on energy usage this winter
Mum slams 'judgemental' teenage nephew for running commentary on her parenting
