Cambridgeshire Workers on Universal Credit Face Food and Heating Shortages
Many working families in Cambridgeshire struggle to afford essentials while on Universal Credit, risking hunger and cold.
Cambridge, Peterborough, Universal Credit, Food Banks, Essentials Guarantee
Cambridge: It’s tough out there for working families in Cambridgeshire. Many are on Universal Credit but still can’t make ends meet. Campaigners are raising alarms about people going without food or heating.
Research from Trussell and the Joseph Roundtree Foundation shows that the standard Universal Credit payment just doesn’t cut it. It’s not enough to cover basic needs like food, bills, and even travel. So, even if you’re working, you might find yourself in a tough spot.
As of October, nearly 83,000 people in Cambridgeshire were on Universal Credit. Out of those, about 34,500 were also working. That’s a lot of folks juggling jobs and benefits just to get by.
In Peterborough, the situation is even more alarming. One in ten adults there are both working and claiming Universal Credit. It’s a stark contrast to Cambridge, where the numbers are a bit better but still concerning.
Campaigners argue that the social security system should ensure everyone can afford the basics. They believe there should be an “Essentials Guarantee” to make sure no family has to go without. Right now, the standard rate of Universal Credit is at a low point compared to average earnings.
For instance, a single person under 25 gets just £72 a week, which is way below what they need. Couples fare a bit better, but still not enough to cover essentials. Many are left short, and it’s leading to increased reliance on food banks.
In fact, between April and September 2023, Trussell food banks handed out 1.5 million food parcels. It’s a clear sign that many low-income households are struggling to get by.
Iain Porter from JRF points out that even people with jobs are facing these challenges. The current Universal Credit rate doesn’t reflect the real cost of living, and many are left in a bind.
There’s a push for the government to make changes, especially as they plan to move everyone onto Universal Credit by 2026. Hardship charity Turn2us is also backing the call for an Essentials Guarantee, emphasizing that Universal Credit should help people afford life’s basics.
It’s a tough situation, and many are hoping for change to ensure that no one has to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table.