The Covid-19 pandemic has affected parents and children in so many ways. Those on the lowest incomes have been pushed further into hardship with job losses, cuts to pay and the extra costs associated with the pandemic.
I know first-hand what it’s like to grow up in a low-income household, and also understand what it’s like having a parent work multiple low paid jobs whilst worrying about whether it’d be enough to put food on the table and keep their children warm during winter. Government help has the power to support those who need it the most and this safety net is crucial for so many families across the UK.
At Save the Children, we know the reality for families like mine (growing up), and we work closely to support parents and their children living in poverty. Many children from low income households were already struggling before the pandemic, and fears of a cold, hard winter have led parents to cut back on heating and electricity with some also forced into debt to buy winter coats for their children.
The Government's action was welcome - but temporary
That is why the action taken by the Government at the start of the pandemic was so welcome. Providing extra support for low-income families by adding a £20pw uplift to Universal Credit gave families a vital lifeline when they needed it most.
This lifeline was however only put in place as a temporary measure and is due to be cut in April. The impact of the pandemic on the economy will be felt well into next year, and there needs to be more understanding of the added pressure families are facing, and that the uplift will still be needed to support these families.
Parents find themselves facing the uncertainty and fear of having the lifeline taken away.
The Spending Review was a real opportunity for the Government to reassure these families and it is disappointing that the Government did not take this chance to keep the £20 uplift. What adds to the frustration is that this inaction is at odds with the approach taken by the Government to support families during the pandemic.
It should also be noted that the 2 million people on the old benefit system have never received the £20 uplift. This includes many disabled people, people with long term health conditions, along with their carers who also need this financial support to get through the crisis. It is vital that the Government extends the £20 uplift to all these people as well.
The campaign to #KeepTheLifeline has wide cross-party support
Announcing an extension to the uplift would have marked a clear commitment by the government to support struggling families.
As we approach the cold winter months many families with children are facing uncertain times and need an immediate commitment from the Government that this lifeline will be kept past April. Now is the time for the Government to do the right thing for the UK’s poorest children and #KeepTheLifeline.
Email your MP
Use your voice to make sure families are assured that the £20 uplift will remain beyond April and that it will be extended to those on the old benefits system.
Ask your MP today to push the Government to keep the lifeline going for Britain’s kids.
