In the week that the Prime Minister has announced further restrictions ahead of a second wave of COVID-19 infections, we are still no clearer as to whether the Government will uplift legacy benefits (Child Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support) to match the £20 increase to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits. This is something I and the wider shadow work and pensions team have been calling for for months.

This week I’ve written to my opposite number in the Government, Justin Tomlinson, to ask him to confirm once and for all whether the uplift is going to happen.

Text version of my letter:

Dear Justin,

Re: Uplift to Legacy Benefits

As you will recall, I have raised the lack of uplift to legacy benefits (Child Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support) to match the £20 increase to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits with you on a number of occasions over the last few months, both in the House and in private meetings.

Today the Prime Minister has announced further restrictions which are likely to be in force for six months. As we start to see the beginnings of a second wave of COVID-19 infections, disabled people are once again facing increased costs for food, medicine and personal protective equipment for their carers.

I would like once again to give you the opportunity to confirm whether an uplift to these benefits is going to happen. If not, could you please explain why it is not possible?

The Government keeps insisting that it is taking disabled people’s needs into account, but I have yet to see much concrete evidence of this.

I look forward to your response.

Best wishes,
Vicky