CITIZENS Advice Wiltshire is urging the government to reconsider a reported £20 weekly cut to universal credit that would affect one in nine working-age people.
The £20 uplift was introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak during the Covid-19 pandemic but will expire next month.
Figures show 43 per cent of people set to see their benefits drop are families with children. And 44 per cent of people who could be affected are in work.
Suzanne Wigmore, chief officer of Citizens Advice Wiltshire, said: “Our staff and volunteers see the difference the increase to Universal Credit has made to families. It’s what has helped them keep their heads above water. Without that extra money, we fear we’d see more people coming to us in debt, unable to pay their bills or turning to food banks because they can’t afford the essentials.
“As we look to rebuild from Covid, the government must invest in the benefits system and keep this vital lifeline.”
The charity has helped more than 2,300 people with Universal Credit since March last year.
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