Devolved administrations call for Universal Credit cut reversal

A letter from the UK’s three devolved Governments has been sent to the government expressing ‘grave concerns’ regarding plans to withdraw a £20-per-week increase to Universal Credit.

The letter, jointly signed by the Welsh Government’s Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt, Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Shona Robison, and the Northern Ireland Executive’s Minister for Communities Deidre Hargey, criticises the ‘biggest overnight reduction to a basic rate of social security since the modern welfare state began’.

The leaders stress that failing to maintain the recent uplift to Universal Credit will increase hardship and poverty for people who are already struggling.

The letter also questions the Department for Work and Pensions’ stated position that the decision not to further extend or make permanent the £20-per-week increase to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits is to encourage people into work.

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