Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 99
99
Our survey on the experiences of people with social security in Scotland found that a...
Conclusion
Our survey on the experiences of people with social security in Scotland found that a majority (68%) felt that the money they received in support payments would not cover their bills for rent, food, internet, council tax and utilities. One respondent to the survey said that whilst on benefits “I’m struggling to eat properly, can’t afford to heat my home, and I’ve accumulated debt in my gas bills”.242 Written evidence from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation concurs: their research in summer 2020 showed that ‘7 in 10 families with children receiving Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit (CTC) in Scotland were already having to cut back on essentials’.243 Universal Credit and the covid-19 crisis: £20 uplift
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.