A recent report reveals that many working adults in North East Lincolnshire rely on Universal Credit to make ends meet
Universal Credit was introduced back in 2013 to help people with various benefits. But it seems many still struggle, even while working. As of October 2024, over 7.1 million people were on Universal Credit. Out of those, about 2.7 million were employed but still needed that extra support.
In North East Lincolnshire, the situation is even tougher. The local rate of people claiming Universal Credit while working is higher than the national average. Research from Trussell and the Joseph Roundtree Foundation shows that the current rate of Universal Credit isn’t enough to cover basic living costs like food and bills.
They argue that a single person needs around £120 a week, while couples need about £200. Right now, a single person gets just £72, and couples get £113. That’s a big gap!
Iain Porter from JRF pointed out that many working people still can’t afford essentials. He mentioned that two-thirds of working-age adults in poverty live in working households. The current basic rate of Universal Credit is only £91 a week, which often isn’t enough.
There’s a push for an Essentials Guarantee to ensure everyone gets enough support for basic needs. The Department for Work and Pensions plans to move everyone on older benefits to Universal Credit by March 2026. They claim that 55% of people will be better off, but many are still worried.
Charities like Turn2us are also calling for change. They hear stories of people skipping meals and struggling to pay bills, even while working. It’s clear that Universal Credit needs to do more to help those in need.
