News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Universal Creditbanner.jpg
Universal Credit - Russell Hart  Alamy Stock Photo.jpg
UK News

CAP warns Universal Credit cut could trigger 'sharp rise' in poverty

by Glyn Jones

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has criticised the government's decision to end the Universal Credit uplift.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the £20 top-up was only introduced to help people through the pandemic. It was extended by six months in March, but various MPs, charities and campaigners have called for it to continue through the winter. 

CAP's Social Policy Manager, Rachel Gregory, said the government's decision will "directly harm so many households across the UK".

"Citizens Advice is warning that at least 2.3 million people will fall into debt," she added, "and we are braced for a surge in demand for free debt help from ourselves at Christians Against Poverty and other debt help charities.”

Universal Credit is claimed by more than 5.5 million households in the UK.

In recent weeks, CAP, alongside Church Action on Poverty, has seen over 1,100 church leaders write a letter to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, raising their concerns. Over 2,700 of CAP’s supporters and those directly affected also wrote to their local MP to urge the Government to keep the lifeline.

Gregory added: “The overwhelming support for this issue shows just how important it is to millions of people. We want the Government to urgently reinstate the uplift and use the upcoming Spending Review to consider the investment needed to make sure social security is a strong lifeline for everyone through a cost of living review.

“We are gearing up to offer free debt help to as many people impacted by this cut as we can. We will continue to advocate for positive action to be taken so those experiencing financial hardship have the opportunity to live with dignity, without fear and anxiety, recover, and have hope restored in their lives.” 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate