A recent report reveals that many working adults in North East Lincolnshire still rely on Universal Credit to make ends meet
North East Lincolnshire: It turns out that 1 in 11 adults in North East Lincolnshire are juggling jobs while also claiming Universal Credit. This is a bit higher than the national average, which is pretty eye-opening.
Universal Credit was rolled out back in 2013 to replace several older benefits. Fast forward to now, and over 7.1 million people are on it. Out of those, about 2.7 million are working but still need that extra financial help to get by.
Research from Trussell and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlights that the current Universal Credit rates just don’t cut it. They say the standard amount isn’t enough to cover basic living costs like food and bills.
They’re pushing for an increase, suggesting that a single person needs around £120 a week, while couples should get about £200. Right now, singles are getting about £72, and couples around £113, which is a big gap.
Iain Porter from JRF pointed out that many working folks are still struggling to afford essentials. It’s a tough situation when two-thirds of working-age adults in poverty are in households where someone is employed.
He also mentioned that the basic rate of Universal Credit is way too low and sometimes gets cut even further for debt repayments. There’s a call for the government to ensure that everyone gets enough support to cover their basic needs.
As the Department for Work and Pensions plans to transition everyone on older benefits to Universal Credit by 2026, they claim that most people will be better off. But many are skeptical about that.
Charities like Turn2us are backing the call for an Essentials Guarantee, which would ensure that Universal Credit provides enough for basic needs. They hear stories of people skipping meals and struggling to keep warm, even while working.
It’s a tough reality for many, and the push for change is growing stronger. Keeping up with these developments is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by working families in the area.
