Business secretary says vulnerable customers will be protected, as he distances himself from universal credit cutKwasi Kwarteng has said it “could be a very difficult winter”, with families facing rising energy bills, as he sought to distance himself f…
Universal credit cut is a cruel blow for the poor | Letters
The planned abolition of the £20 uplift is the latest attack on claimants caught in an unfair benefits system, says Mark Newbury. Plus letters from Jane Middleton and Manuela GonnermannYour editorial (14 September) is correct in highlighting the link b…
Ending universal credit boost will hit sickest areas the hardest, study shows
New research finds scrapping the £1,000-a-year benefit uplift will ‘trigger mental illness and poorer health’ for thousandsScrapping the £1,000-a-year boost to universal credit next month will trigger mental illness and poorer health for thousands of p…
Nadhim Zahawi ‘not comfortable’ with breaking manifesto promises
Minister’s comments come as PM prepares to announce rise in NI contributions to fund social careA UK government minister has said he is “not comfortable with breaking any manifesto promises” as the prime minister prepares to announce an increase in nat…
The pandemic has united people but old attitudes to welfare are returning | Torsten Bell
Research shows that many softened their thinking about helping those in need during Covid but the change of heart didn’t lastThe pandemic has been a shared experience, albeit one we’ve experienced very differently. Those at low risk followed restrictio…
‘You’re not made to feel like a beggar’: the local heroes helping the hungry
With lockdowns leaving thousands unable to access food and other essentials, citizens and community groups are stepping upIt’s a Wednesday afternoon, the day before Redfern-based Koori artist Blak Douglas – AKA Adam Douglas – is about to saddle up his …
Vulnerable children at risk as England faces shortfall of 25,000 foster families
No support, a broken system and increasing poverty are hampering the recruitment of carers, charities warnEngland faces a 25,000 shortfall in foster families over the next five years, amid complaints of a lack of support for existing carers and a broke…
Labour to pledge shake-up of universal credit as part of wider ‘new deal’
Shadow work and pensions secretary expected to propose taper rate reduction that will be first element of social security overhaulLabour will promise on Monday to overhaul the universal credit system by allowing low-income workers to earn more without …
Universal credit cut will come as shock for claimants, says Labour
Government accused of failing to effectively communicate £20 reduction with many families unaware of imminent cutLabour has accused the government of failing to prepare struggling low-income families for October’s £20-a-week cut in universal credit pay…