Delivering her Statement to the House of Commons today (26 March), the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced the health element of Universal Credit will be be frozen for current claimants and reduced for new claimants. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will also be restricted.
Charities have warned that the move will negatively impact children already in poverty.
The National Children’s Bureau (NCB) said that by the Department for Work and Pension’s own admissions, the ‘combined effect of the package of welfare reforms will push tens of thousands of children deeper into poverty and make life harder for millions more.
It added, ‘Many families struggling to make ends meet rely on the welfare system to stay afloat. Cuts to health benefits will only cast them further adrift.’
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