Dickson Calls for Retention of £20 Universal Credit Uplift

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has called for the £20 weekly uplift to Universal Credit to be retained.

It is expected that the Department for Work and Pensions will end a £20 per week additional universal credit payment on 5 October 2021.

Mr Dickson commented: “I have long had concerns that the level of social security in the UK is not adequate to meet the needs of people. Subsequently many people are finding themselves unable to meet basic costs, and sinking further into poverty.

“We should be working to lift everyone out of poverty, not add further to financial distress. The past year has been extremely difficult, with the Covid-19 Pandemic seeing many lose their jobs, as well as face additional costs. That is why I am calling on the UK Government to retain the £20 a week uplift indefinitely.

“The Assembly must also do all it can to eliminate poverty in Northern Ireland and seek innovative ways to achieve this. For example, trialling universal basic income, or reviewing welfare mitigations to meet our specific local needs.”