Citizens Advice SORT Group joins coalition of organisations opposing planned cut to Universal Credit

Citizens Advice SORT Group, covering Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford has joined up with a broad coalition of charities and support organisations across Greater Manchester to express concerns around the planned cut to Universal Credit. 

In October, hundreds of thousands of Greater Manchester residents will face an overnight loss of £20 a week if the Government ploughs on with the planned cut to Universal Credit.

The coalition of organisations includes Citizens Advice branches and other charities from across Greater Manchester. The group has written directly to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging him to stop the planned cut to Universal Credit.

Jonathan Yates, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice SORT Group says:  

“At a time when our region is recovering from the economic impact of coronavirus, this cut could be devastating to Greater Manchester. If the cut goes ahead, it will remove over £193 million from our regional economy, damaging businesses and putting jobs at risk. Many parents will be pushed out of work as they lose their entitlement to Universal Credit and the benefit’s childcare element.

The impact on Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford residents’ wellbeing, as well as the impact on the region’s economy, are in direct opposition to the Government’s ‘Levelling Up Agenda’ and risk worsening the north-south economic divide.

As we look to rebuild from Covid, the government must invest in the benefits system and keep this vital lifeline. This is why we have joined this coalition of organisations committed to advocating for residents and businesses across Greater Manchester, to urge the Government to reconsider the planned cut.”