Universal Credit Removal of Uplift 2021-09-13 (2)
2021-09-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises in the context of ongoing debates about the economic and social impact of reducing benefits. The specific concern is how eliminating an additional £20 per week affects individuals' ability to meet basic needs.
What assessment has been made of the impact on levels of poverty of ending the £20 uplift to the standard allowance of universal credit?
It is not possible to produce a robust estimate of the impact of removing the £20 uplift on poverty. That is particularly the case at the moment, given the uncertainty around the speed of the economic recovery and how it will be distributed across the population.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges uncertainty but does not provide a specific estimate or analysis as requested.
Uncertainty
Lack Of Robust Data
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The supplementary question highlights the personal impact on individuals such as Jess in Birkenhead, who relies on the £20 weekly increase to cover basic needs like food and hygiene.
Cutting universal credit will cause misery for millions of people, including my constituent in Birkenhead, Jess. The extra £20 a week means she no longer has to choose between a hot meal and a hot shower. On Wednesday, Unite the Union and Community members who rely on the uplift will be visiting Parliament. Will the Secretary of State commit to meet them so she can hear for herself why the Government must cancel the cut?
There is no financial saving from the measure and as a result, the temporary uplift will continue as planned. The Government has not indicated any intention to cut this benefit.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not commit to meeting constituents or addressing their specific concerns about the impact of the £20 uplift reduction.
No Financial Saving
Temporary Nature
Response accuracy