Free debt advice charity, who help people living in poverty, worried more people will be pushed into deeper debt as a result of welfare cuts confirmed in Spring Statement
Stewart McCulloch, Chief Executive Officer at Christians Against Poverty (CAP) says: “The Chancellor claimed in the Spring Statement that the Government was supporting the most vulnerable but we’re concerned some of their actions to cut the welfare bill will push more people with vulnerabilities into deeper poverty and debt.
“We acknowledge the financial pressures the Government is under but at CAP we are meeting face to face with families on low incomes who’re facing enormous personal financial pressure. Our local church debt coaches and amazing volunteers are visiting people who are living in cold homes, skipping meals and often isolated from their community as a result of living in poverty and debt. Many of these people are now feeling anxious and fearful that the income they rely on may be reduced in future as a result of welfare cuts.”
Graham Senior has been supported by CAP. He is in his 50s and has health issues that mean he is on PIP. Listening to the Chancellor’s announcements, he said: “I still feel in limbo about what the situation is with my PIP payments. I am living off a really tight budget and can only just make ends meet to make sure I pay for the main things like food. Looking at the cuts to benefits that are coming down the line, I am very concerned about the future.”
Stewart continued: “We welcome efforts to help people back into work and the planned increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit but we are deeply concerned about the Government’s decision to freeze the Universal Credit (UC) health element for existing claimants and reduce it to £50 per week and then freeze it for new claimants until 2030. Add in making personal independence payment eligibility stricter and over time this will strip away thousands of pounds from those already struggling with health conditions or disabilities.
“This feels like leaving behind the most vulnerable, not supporting them. Prioritising fiscal savings over helping vulnerable families out of poverty. We urge the Government to reconsider, ensuring benefits keep pace with inflation and protect the most vulnerable, not least the millions of children already affected by UC limits. CAP and our local church partners stand ready to support those impacted, but we cannot fill the gap alone—policy must reflect the value of every person.”
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Notes to editors
Christians Against Poverty
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with over 800 affiliated churches to deliver free debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills groups and more. Visit capuk.org to find out more.
CAP is committed to its services being accessible and inclusive. We support people from all faiths. We do not discriminate by age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
