More than half of people on Universal Credit will be unable to pay their bills once the £20 uplift to the payment is cut, new research has found.
The cut comes amid surging energy prices and “could have a catastrophic impact on individuals and families across the country”, national poverty charity Turn2us warned.
Its research also found that four in 10 (42%) will be unable to afford food once the benefit is cut, leaving many with the choice between heating and eating as winter approaches.
A quarter of people also said they would be unable to afford rent or mortgage payments if the £20 is removed, and 15% think it is likely they will lose their home in the next six months.
The charity is calling on the Government to keep the £20 increase to Universal Credit, which ends next week, and extend it to legacy benefits.
Anna Stevenson, of Turn2us, said: “At the start of October, Universal Credit will be cut by £20 at the same time as other support schemes like furlough come to an end and energy prices rise.
“Ultimately this will push many people who are struggling to cover basic needs like food, rent and utility bills, over a financial cliff edge.
“We know from our own data and insight, as well as our day-to-day work with people struggling to stay afloat, that this is a real cliff edge moment for thousands of people across the country.”
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