Dear Editor,
The Chancellor must use his Budget announcement on 3rd March to keep the £20 weekly uplift in Universal Credit payments. This has been a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our community and the many thousands of Londoners who have lost their livelihoods during this pandemic.
This is the very least the Government can do to keep countless households from falling into poverty. Even with the extra £20, Universal Credit claimants are struggling to make ends meet.
A recent study conducted by the Welfare at a Social Distance project has revealed that a significant number of new claimants have been unable to eat regularly or healthily, pay bills or put away a modest amount of money each month.
Too many Londoners on low incomes are becoming trapped in cycle of economic insecurity by a welfare system that has been ground down over the last ten years.
During this prolonged national crisis, we must see Ministers repair our safety net by also increasing Statutory Sick Pay so it is line with the London Living Wage, boosting Local Housing Allowance so it covers average rents and scrapping the five week wait and two child limit on Universal Credit payments.
Yours,
Unmesh Desai AM
London Assembly Member for City & East London
Notes to editors
- Unmesh Desai AM is the London Assembly Member for City & East London.