The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published analysis of the Government’s planned £20 cut to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit, revealing that just under one third (31%) of working age families and over half (56%) of working age families with children in Halifax will be impacted by the proposed changes.

Responding to the new research, MP for Halifax, Holly Lynch said:

“Like many communities across the country, Halifax remains in a state of in recovery from the economic devastation of the Covid pandemic. On 6th October, the Government is jeopardising this recovery by hitting vulnerable families with a £20 reduction to their weekly income with their planned cut to Universal Credit.

“Families stand to see their incomes fall by £1,040 per year and from my local casework, surgery appointments and door knocking, I know this is a time when they can least afford it. I’m calling on the Government to see sense, recognise that working families with children will be hit the hardest and cancel the cut.”

5.5 million families across the country are expected to be affected and Labour have been calling on the Government to abandon the planned cuts.