CONCERNS have been raised about the impact of cuts to Universal Credit upon Weymouth families - as charities warn of "devastating" consequences.

The government is to cut the £20 per week increase in Universal Credit that’s been in place since the beginning of the pandemic.

From today, UC assessments will not include the uplift, meaning that from next Wednesday no payments will be received that include the extra money.

But a national survey of people on Universal Credit carried out by Save The Children indicates that this will put significant pressure on family budgets.

Almost half (47%) of those on Universal Credit – equivalent to nearly 3 million claimants – say they don’t think they’ll be able to live on a household budget that’s £20 per week lower.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has emphasised the need for more well-paid jobs. But Weymouth councillor Tia Roos said that two in five of those on Universal Credit are already in work - and described the decision to reduce the payment as "appalling."

"With utility bills increasing, the cost of living increasing; the cost of even a simple food shop increasing - and most wages staying stagnant and unchanged for years now - it’s not okay and it’s not good enough," she said.

"There are better and other solutions but they’re never considered. For example the Government could increase the wealth tax by 1 per cent, add a VAT increase to large corporates such as Amazon and Apple, and be able to afford to take care of people properly.

"While we’re on the topic of cuts I want the public to be aware that most people claiming Universal Credit aren’t doing so by choice and we have a very large percentage of claimants who are working."

Save The Children's national poll indicated that single parents are the most concerned about their finances, with over half (52%) saying they don’t think they can live on £20 less per week.

Asked about how their household budgets would be impacted:

3 in 5 (61%) of respondents said it would be harder to afford food after the cut.

Nearly half (48%) said it would be harder to cover essential bills

More than 2 in 5 (43%) said it would be harder to pay for clothing.

Nearly 2 in 5 parents (37%) said it would be harder to pay for children’s items like books and toys.

The results also show that the relaxation of Covid restrictions isn’t taking the pressure off low-income households. 2 in 5 (39%) of respondents say it has become harder to afford the basics (food, rent, bills etc.) in the last six months, while a further 1 in 4 (26%) say things have stayed the same.

  • Are you affected - or do you agree the Government should reduce the payment? Comment below or email ellie.maslin@dorsetecho.co.uk to share your views