Universal Credit numbers in Bradford hit an all-time high

That is the stark message as figures reveal more people than ever before are using Universal Credit in the city.

Provisional figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show 66,944 people were using the benefit in Bradford as of March – the most ever in the area.

This was a seven per cent rise on the 62,680 that was recorded in March 2022.

Across England and Wales, the number of households with a member on Universal Credit reached a record peak in February, at nearly 4.5 million.

This included Bradford, where 51,138 households were receiving the benefit.

Universal Credit is a benefit available to those out of work, disabled - or below a threshold of earnings and savings.

In March, 31 per cent of Universal Credit recipients in Bradford were employed (Image: Newsquest)

The Government said it expects to see a rise in recipients as they transfer people from the old benefits system.

But Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said people are struggling and need help. 

She called for an increase in Government investment so the Council can do more.

"These figures show that people in our district are still struggling with the cost of living crisis and need help now," she said.

"In February alone, the warm spaces in Council libraries were used by more than 8,000 people, a quarter of those were pensioners.

"For those of working age, many struggle because of low paid and insecure employment.

"It’s really stressful for people because these days they struggle to put food on the table.

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe says people need more help (Image: Newsquest)

"The Council funds a comprehensive employment support programme to help find people good jobs but obviously with more Government investment we would wish to do more for people.

"These are very difficult times.”

Combined with a winding-up of older benefits and reduced employment opportunities, the number of people using universal credit across England rose dramatically over the pandemic – and has remained high since.

In England and Wales, 111 other local authorities hit their highest-ever number of Universal Credit recipients in March – more than 30 per cent of all areas.

In March, 31 per cent of Universal Credit recipients in Bradford were employed.

Citizens Advice at Bradford & Airedale were not shocked by the figures (Image: Newsquest)

The Bradford & Airedale Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) said that figure is a "sad reflection" of the current climate.

A spokesperson for CAB said: “Unfortunately, the latest figures of those in employment, but with low earnings, having to claim Universal Credit is not a shock but is a very true and sad reflection of the growing financial crisis people are facing.

"To be working and still unable to meet basic needs such as gas and electricity, food, and travel is a problem facing a growing number of people.

"The CAB helps a lot of people from every area of the city and from every community and this feature of those in work struggling to make ends meet is a very worrying development.

"The ability of people to get help from family, friends or their community is decreasing as high numbers of people are facing difficulties caused by the cost of living crisis."

Anna Stevenson, benefits expert at anti-poverty charity Turn2Us, said "far too many households" are still struggling financially.

She added: "The Government needs to make sure support is there when people need it, and that it’s the right support to get through this crisis.

"The longer-term, systemic answer, is to build an effective social security system in which people can thrive."

A spokesperson for the Government said: “As we move claimants from the outdated benefits system to Universal Credit, we expect the number of people on Universal Credit to continue to increase.

They added: “We have also launched a £94billion support package worth around £3,300 per household to help those most in need.

"This is on top of an unprecedented increase to the National Living Wage, raising benefits by over 10 per cent, the biggest uprating in over 30 years, and holding down energy bills.”

For those in need of help, Bradford & Airedale CAB said one of the quickest ways to access foodbank support is to call the Help Through Hardship helpline on 0808 2082138.

People can also speak to dedicated energy advisers at the CAB on 0800 448 0721

Those who need urgent fuel should contact the Consumer Service line on 0808 223 1133.