Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 95
95
Throughout our inquiry we received a significant amount of evidence that suggested the amount of...
Conclusion
Throughout our inquiry we received a significant amount of evidence that suggested the amount of money provided by Universal Credit is insufficient for reducing poverty in Scotland. Below is a table highlighting the standard allowance that a claimant of Universal Credit can expect to receive according to the UK Government’s website:233 Table 3: Standard allowances on Universal Credit Claimant situation Standard Allowance per month Single claimant age under 25 £344 Single claimant aged 25 or over £411.51 Joint claimants both under 25 £490.60 Joint claimants either aged 25 or £596.58 over
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Universal Credit has provided a vital safety net for six million people during the pandemic, and the UK Government announced the temporary uplift as part of a £400 billion package of measures put in place that will last well beyond the end of the roadmap. The UK Government focused support on Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit claimants because they were more likely to be affected by the sudden economic shock of Covid-19 than legacy benefit recipients. There was never any plan to extend the uplift to legacy benefits. As the economy recovers, the UK Government’s ambition is to help people move into and progress in work as quickly as possible based on clear evidence around the importance of employment, particularly where it is full-time, in substantially reducing the risks of poverty. The UK Government’s ambitious Plan for Jobs is already delivering for people of all ages right across Great Britain and includes new schemes such as the £2 billion Kickstart Scheme.