The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and others urge the UK government to close the disparity between Universal Credit and basic living expenses.

Guarantee Our Essentials is a new campaign introduced in collaboration with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a prominent organisation dedicated to eradicating poverty and fostering social change. The campaign urges the UK government to enshrine in law a minimal amount to ensure that the introductory rate of Universal Credit covers recipients’ basic needs.

The Widening Gap Between Universal Credit and Basic Living Costs

Universal Credit is intended to assist those in need, but there needs to be a significant disparity between the cost of living and Universal Credit income. 

According to research by the  Joseph Rowntree Foundation, rates are not based on what people need and the true cost of necessities such as food, household expenditures, and transportation. This disparity is causing increasing hardship and driving people to food banks, with 90% of Universal Credit households with low incomes experiencing hunger.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shed further light on the flaws of the Universal Credit system, as more individuals have come to rely on assistance due to job losses and economic insecurity.

Individual Narratives and Public Opinion

The Funding Manager of Abergele Foodbank, Linda, tells the narrative of a struggling individual: “Those in need of our food bank lack sufficient funds to subsist. After paying their rent, they need more money for their utility expenses and food. After paying her rent, one of the people we assist has only £109 per month for food and utilities, which is inadequate. This is the primary reason individuals visit a food bank.”

Increasing numbers of individuals find this unacceptable. New research indicates that 66% of people believe that the introductory rate of Universal Credit is too low. In comparison, 67% believe they could not finance necessities if they received Universal Credit.

The Essentials Assurance and the Future

It is time for the UK government to guarantee our essentials, as nearly three-quarters of the general public support the Essentials Guarantee and an increasing number of people are compelled to rely on food banks. To enact the Essentials Guarantee into law, policymakers must engage in deliberations and propose legislation that aligns Universal Credit rates with the actual cost of essential living expenses.

According to the proposal’s detractors, increased Universal Credit rates could discourage work and burden the budget. Nonetheless, the campaign asserts that a robust and equitable social safety net is essential in times of need. “We can’t always handle what life throws at us on our own, so we need a system that helps us all afford the necessities in times of need,” the campaign asserts.

How to Support the Guarantee of Our Basic Needs Campaign

Visit the Guarantee Our Essentials website to sign the petition and learn more about the proposed reforms to demonstrate your support for the campaign and help bring about meaningful change. With public support and ongoing efforts to raise awareness, the campaign expects to persuade the UK government to ensure that all Universal Credit recipients have access to necessities, leaving no one behind.

Officials and Experts of the Government Weigh In

Government officials and policy experts have begun discussing the issue as the campaign acquires momentum. Some advocate for a comprehensive review of the Universal Credit system, whereas others propose targeted modifications to close the gap between the benefit and essential living expenses. According to renowned economist and welfare policy expert John Smith, the current Universal Credit rates do not reflect many households’ actual cost of living. We must align the system with people’s requirements to make a significant difference.”

The Guarantee Our Essentials campaign aims to resolve the widening disparity between Universal Credit rates and the cost of basic living expenses. With public support and government intervention, it is possible to establish a system that assures everyone can afford basic necessities in times of need.