Uprate Benefits by Inflation: Otherwise the poorest will get poorer
People on the lowest incomes – both in and out of work – have endured a decade of austerity; with freezes and cuts to social security benefits and in-work support; hollowing out support, undermining resilience and ability to cope with adversity.
They now find themselves disproportionately affected by the current cost of living crisis; crushing energy bills and faced with the stark choice of going cold or hungry to make ends meet. The Consumer Price Index figure announced today by the Office for National Statistics stands at 6.7%, with inflation at 12.2% for essential food items and non-alcoholic beverages such as milk, vegetables, bread, cereals, meat and eggs.
Traditionally this Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure for September has been the default inflation measure for the Government’s statutory annual review of benefits since 2011.
However, the current Prime Minister and Chancellor have failed to commit to benefit uprating in line with inflation for next year, at a time when our poorest families are facing the sharpest end of this cost-of-living crisis, and without substantial support will be dragged into destitution. Instead the Government are reportedly considering introducing tax cuts for the most well off, on the backs of the poorest people in our society.
In order to give a voice to people affected by this issue, Advice NI has initiated a Parliamentary Petition calling on Government to uprate benefits by inflation. At 10,000 signatures, the Government must respond to this Petition.
The minimum the Government should do right now is to end the confusion and fear amongst vulnerable low income households and commit to benefit uprating in line with inflation.
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Notes:
- For further information, contact Elkie Ritchie, Advice NI Communications Manager on 07702846030 or email elkie@adviceni.net
- Please sign and share the Petition Uprate benefits in line with CPI inflation - Petitions (parliament.uk)
- Advice NI and the Independent Advice Network in Northern Ireland dealt with 241,088 enquiries in 2021/22. For more information log on to Annual Report
- Click here to view the full Advice NI response to the EQIA
- Advice NI Freephone helpline provides free advice on; benefits, debt, business debt, EUSS, and Tax Credits & other HMRC products. Call 0800 9154604 or email: advice@adviceni.net.
- For information see www.adviceni.net
- For latest inflation figures see www.ons.gov.uk