THE NUMBER of people in Bradford on Universal Credit has hit its highest level since August last year, latest figures show.

According to provisional Department for Work and Pensions data from April 14, 63,594 people were receiving Universal Credit in Bradford, 1.5 per cent higher than the previous month.

Across the UK, there were 5.6 million people receiving Universal Credit as of April 14, up 35,000 from January 13, but down from a peak of 6 million people in

Currently, the monthly payment stands at £335, for a single person over 25, after the £20 uplift was scrapped at the end of September 2021.

Figures from February show that 46% of households receiving Universal Credit in Bradford are families with children, including 17,533 single-parent households.

Christians Against Poverty, Director of External Affairs, Gareth McNab said: “It’s an extremely challenging time for so many people on a low income here in Bradford and across the UK right now as the cost of energy, food and other essentials continue to increase at an alarming rate.

“Our debt advisors based here in Bradford speak daily with families who are living on deficit budgets which means the cost of their basic essentials are higher than their income and they’ve run out of room to cut back any further.”

According to the latest figures, from March, 35% of people on Universal Credit in Bradford were in employment.

The chair of the Bradford PHAB club which is partnering with Bradford City Council to provide Holiday Hunger meals said: “We have seen a rise in demand for our services, more than ever before.

“People are desperate and are reaching out to gain support.

“Those on Universal Credit are struggling and then there are those who have applied for Universal Credit, but the money hasn’t come through.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions said: “Universal Credit provides a vital safety net to 5.6 million people, and we want everyone to get the support to which they’re entitled.

“We recognise the pressures on the cost of living, and we are doing what we can to help, including spending £22 billion across the next financial year to support people with energy bills and cut fuel duty."

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