Recent data reveals Midlands towns struggle with high Universal Credit claimant rates, impacting many residents.
Wolverhampton: The Midlands has some of the highest benefit claimant rates in the UK. Recent figures show that one in 11 residents in certain areas claim Universal Credit (UC).
This includes unemployed individuals and those needing extra support to boost their earnings. Campaigners argue that Universal Credit isn’t enough to cover basic living costs.
In the West Midlands, Wolverhampton and Sandwell lead with one in 11 people claiming UC. Birmingham follows closely with one in 12 residents on the benefit.
Dudley has fewer claimants, with one in 15. Leicester and Stoke-on-Trent also report high rates, with one in 11 and one in 12, respectively.
Despite common beliefs, about 40% of UC claimants are employed but still struggle to make ends meet. Research shows the standard UC rate doesn’t cover essential expenses like food and bills.
The West Midlands has some of the highest UC claimant rates. Many working claimants face tough choices about what to forgo during hard times, like illness or job loss.
As of October, over 7.1 million people receive UC, which replaces several other benefits. Around 2.7 million of these claimants are also employed but still rely on UC.
JRF senior policy adviser Iain Porter highlights that many working individuals still go without essentials. The basic UC rate is only £91 a week, which is often insufficient.
Porter suggests the Government should implement an Essentials Guarantee in UC. This would ensure everyone has enough support to cover basic needs, preventing reductions from pulling support below essential levels.
