Trussell Trust urge Chancellor to do more for those on Universal Credit
The Trussell Trust has today published new research that reveals the devastating consequences of the inadequacy of Universal Credit across London. The anti-poverty charity is urging the Chancellor to take urgent action to increase long-term support for people struggling to get by on Universal Credit and commit to extending the Household Support Fund as soon as possible.
The research, conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Trussell Trust, revealed that 146,000 people (14%) claiming Universal Credit have been forced to use a food bank in the last month (Dec 23/Jan 24), and almost two thirds (64%) ran out of food in the last month and couldn’t afford more. Also, in the last three months, 10% of people claiming Universal Credit were unable to cook hot food as they couldn’t afford to use their oven or other utilities.
The survey found that 377,000 people claiming Universal Credit (37%) have either fallen behind on bills and credit commitments or are finding it a constant struggle to keep up with them. Half of people (50%) are behind on one or more household bill.
James Spoke with Ruth Koch, from the Trussell Trust.
James Dickman 21st February 2024
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