Citizens Advice Wiltshire is urging the government to scrap a planned cut to Universal Credit that would impact one in nine working-age people in the county.

Universal Credit claimants will see the £20 uplift cut this autumn which will leave millions without the “safety net” which helped them throughout the pandemic. 

According to the latest available figures, approximately 43 per cent of residents set to see their benefits drop are families with children and 44 per cent are already in work.

Chief officer for Citizens Advice Wiltshire, Suzanne Wigmore said: “Every day, our staff and volunteers see the difference the increase to Universal Credit has made to families. It’s what has helped them keep their heads above water.

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“Without that extra money, we fear we’d see more people coming to us in debt, unable to pay their bills or turning to food banks because they can’t afford the essentials.

Wiltshire Times: Suzanne Wigmore, chief executive of Citizens Advice WiltshireSuzanne Wigmore, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wiltshire

“As we look to rebuild from Covid, the government must invest in the benefits system and keep this vital lifeline.”

Staff and volunteers at the local charity have helped more than 2,300 people with Universal Credit since March last year. 

It says the £20 a week increase has been a “lifeline” and has supported people who were already struggling before the pandemic as well as those hit by Covid job losses.

The charity warns a cut to the benefit this autumn – as energy bills rise with the colder weather – will see many struggle to afford their essential costs. 

It fears a drop in income could be particularly difficult for new benefits claimants who may be unaware of the looming cut.