Removal of universal credit ‘uplift’ will leave vulnerable young people at risk of repeat homelessness

Chancellor urged to keep 'lifeline' for younger claimants experiencing homelessness or care who receive less benefit than those aged 25 or over without being able to access help from family of friends

The removal of the Covid-19-related universal credit 'uplift' from October 2021 will leave vulnerable young people at risk of repeat homelessness, according to a coalition of more than 40 organisations that support young people who have experience of care or homelessness.

In a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, published today, the organisations - that include Centrepoint and End Youth Homelessness - highlight that -

'Younger universal credit claimants receive a smaller amount than those older than 25, with the assumption that they are supported by family or friends. For the young people we support, who cannot rely on this, this leaves them struggling to afford basic essentials.

There is no discount on food, bills and rent because you’re under 25 - but the current system leaves them with less money to pay for them.'

The coalition goes on to say that -

'The end of the uplift will represent a financial challenge for all universal credit claimants but, for the young people we support, it will leave them facing impossible choices, again forced to choose between bills and food and at risk of repeat homelessness.'

Arguing that the introduction of the uplift at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic was a 'lifeline' for younger universal credit claimants, the letter concludes by saying -

'Removing it now, when the effects of the pandemic are still being felt, will rip that lifeline away. We therefore urge you to ensure there is an adequate safety net for this incredibly vulnerable group of young people to ensure they are not put at risk.'

The letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak is available from centrepoint.org.uk