Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 97
97
We heard evidence from various stakeholders that this amount of money was not adequate to...
Conclusion
We heard evidence from various stakeholders that this amount of money was not adequate to ensure that claimants remain out of poverty and pay their essential bills. The Trussell Trust told us that ‘benefit issues and low benefit income are a reason behind four in five visits to food banks in the Trussell Trust network’.234 Polly Jones of The Trussell Trust said they have ‘seen a 30% increase in food parcels in areas where Universal Credit has been rolled out in the local authority, so there is a strong correlation between Universal Credit and demand for food parcels.’235 David Eiser from The Fraser of Allander Institute described the UK’s out of work and low-income benefit rates as ‘pretty meagre on many measures’236 in comparison to other countries.
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.