A new report has encouraged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to continue enhanced Universal Credit (UC).
Throughout the pandemic, UC has been a lifeline to many people.
And now a report compiled by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has examined the UK's response to the Covid-19 crisis, according to The Express.
In the report, the IMF praises the support measures that were offered by the UK Government. However, it did state that further support could have been offered.
And referring to UC directly, the IMF said that temporary increases to benefits such as this that were introduced in March are 'welcome.'
During the pandemic, the DWP temporarily increased UC payments by £20 a week which meant that for a single claimant over the age of 25 the standard allowance would increase from £317.82 to £409.89 per month.
This temporary enhancement is due to decrease once again in April 2021 which means that families could lose out on £1,000 annually.
In the report, the IMF said: "Measures to strengthen the social safety net and invest in human capital are key.
"Changes introduced since March, which temporarily raised Universal Credit and other benefits, and expanded active labour market policies are welcome."
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The report went on to highlight that unemployment may rise persistently which would impact the economy and as a result the Government may want to consider further levels of support.
You can find more information about the DWP and UC on the UK Government's website here.
