Councillor calls for reversal to Universal Credit cut

The Angus Liberal Democrats have called for the retention of the Universal Credit uplift, applied during the pandemic.

A many as 21% of hard-pressed families in Angus face being worse off when the uplift to Universal Credit ends next month.

New data from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation exposes how badly some areas will be hit by the £20 cut, which is opposed by Monifieth & Sidlaw Councillor Ben Lawrie and the Angus Liberal Democrats.

The report, estimates that the Universal Credit cut alone could force 500,000 people, almost half of them children, into poverty. Its breakdown shows that some 7300 Angus and 39% of families with children in Angus being affected adversely.

Mr Lawrie said: “This cut will do untold damage to so many of our local families.

“There is no question that Government has to reverse this needless cut and support normal working people. Angus Liberal Democrats are calling for the Universal Credit uplift to be made permanent.”

Wendy Chamberlain MP, Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesperson added: “We cannot have a full recovery if families are struggling to make ends meet. With almost half of those receiving Universal Credit already in work and with many having young families, this cut will leave parents and their children behind despite their efforts.”