Thank you for contacting me and inviting me to read the Trussell Trust’s briefing on the social security system.
I understand your anxieties over the cost of living and your concern regarding the level of support available.
Foodbanks
You are right that the affordability of food is a serious issue, and everyone has a right to a nutritious and adequate food supply.
While there are currently no official statistics on the number of foodbanks, which are independent charitable organisations, the Government added questions on food security to the Family Resources Survey, to support a better understanding of the lived experiences of families experiencing food insecurity.
Deductions from benefits
I know that my colleagues at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) understand the need to balance ensuring that taxpayers’ money is being spent correctly and allowing claimants to retain as much of their award as possible for day-to-day needs
I welcome, the steps that have been put in place to ensure deductions are manageable. The standard deductions cap has been reduced three times – from 40 per cent to 30 per cent to 25 per cent. This has helped hundreds of thousands of UC claimants to retain more of their award. Reducing the standard cap below 25 per cent would reduce the range of debts a claimants could address, and risk vital obligations (such as Child Maintenance payments) not being made at all.
Advances are also available urgently should anyone be in significant financial distress. Claimants can contact DWP Debt management if they are experiencing financial hardship, to discuss a reduction in their rate of repayment or a temporary suspension, depending on their financial circumstances.
The Government continues to provide a strong safety net through the welfare system for those who need extra support, whilst simultaneously working to support economic recovery and get people back into work as quickly as possible.
I welcome the Chancellor's announcement of further support for UC recipients. From September, 8 million UC recipients will receive a £650 cost of living payment, made in two instalments. This is in addition to the £400 energy bills support, which has been converted to a cash grant. There is further support for pensioners and those on disability benefits. Additionally, the Household Support Fund has been boosted to £1.5 billion and extended to March 2023. This takes the Government's cost of living support to £37 billion this year.
I will continue to engage with ministerial colleagues to ensure that benefits recipients receive the support they need to cope with the cost of living.