CITIZENS Advice is urging the Government against ‘devastating’ cuts to Universal Credit which it warns could plunge many Craven households into further hardship.

It says half of those now seeking its advice on benefits have never needed its support before, and in Craven, the number of people claiming Universal Credit has risen 84 per cent since the coronavirus pandemic started.

Now, it fears that families could be pushed into further hardship if the £20 per week Universal Credit ‘uplift’ ends as planned in April.

Families will struggle with the loss of £20, which it says to many is the equivalent of three days food, and almost seven days energy costs.

One adviser at Citizens Advice Craven and Harrogate District said: “The extra £20 a week has helped people just about keep their heads above water, and I mean that in the most serious sense. It often makes the difference between empty cupboards and food on the table or being able to heat their homes.”

Edward Pickering, chief officer of the area’s Citizen Advice, said: “We support people every day whose lives have been turned upside down by this pandemic. For many of them, Universal Credit is the lifeline that has helped pay the bills and put food on the table.

“But households across Craven now face the devastating prospect of a £20 a week cut to their benefits in just a few short months. With a tough outlook in the jobs market, we’re urging the government to continue doing the right thing and maintain the Universal Credit uplift.”

Advisers say many needing support from the benefits system have lost their job or suffered a drop in income as a result of the pandemic.

If you need help from Citizens Advice Craven call 0808 278 7900 or visit https://cachd.org.uk/

Citizens Advice also runs a help to claim service . For more information visit citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8 444