Thank you for contacting me about the Trussell Trust’s proposed Coronavirus Emergency Income Support Scheme.
The Coronavirus outbreak is the biggest public health emergency of a generation and, like you, I am deepy concerned about the economic impact it will have on people in our constituency.
It is now easier to access benefits, and, as I am sure you are aware, ministers in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have made significant enhancements to the welfare system to ensure people receive vital support at this time. This includes the increases to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit which are uplifting people’s income. This is in addition to the 1.7 per cent uplift to all benefits that came into effect in April, ending the benefits freeze.
However, as you rightly point out, it is important to also try to reduce people’s costs. To help ease the pressure on outgoings, the recovery of most government debt has been paused for at least three months. This includes any overpayments of Universal Credit, Social Fund loans and Tax Credit debts. The Government has also introduced mortgage holidays and suspended new evictions while this national emergency is taking place, as well as uplifting the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants, recognising pressure on household resources.
The Coronavirus Community Support Fund aims to support the tens of thousands of charities and organisations at the heart of local communities that are making a big difference, including delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice. £200 million of funding is helping organisations ensure they can meet increased demand as a result of the pandemic, as well as continuing their day to day activities supporting vulnerable people in need.
These measures represent an injection of over £6.5 billion into the welfare system and, along with the other job and business support programmes announced by the Chancellor, represent one of the most comprehensive packages of support introduced by an advanced economy in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
I know that my colleagues are continuously reviewing existing and new policies, and analysing how best to deliver crucial support to those that need it at this worrying time. I have passed the Trussell Trust’s suggestions on to colleagues in Government and make them aware of their coalition of charities’ views.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
June 2020