The Oldham Liberal Democrats are hopeful that the Conservative Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP, will extend the £20 a week temporary increase in Universal Credit for a further year in next year’s Spring Budget.  The temporary increase was first made at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to provide extra financial support to citizens faced with unemployment following the economic downturn.  

In October, Councillor Sykes wrote to the Chancellor asking him ‘to make a clear and principled policy decision’ and make the temporary rise permanent.  Commenting, Councillor Sykes said:  “This temporary uplift of £20 per week, or £1,040 a year, if made permanent would be a Godsend to our poorest residents and their families. For many it will represent the difference between being able to put food before the family at mealtimes or keeping the lights on or keeping their home warm; or being unable to do so.  Although I would prefer the increase to be made permanent, it is rumoured that the Chancellor will only agree to pay the increase for a further year in the spring budget, but this is at least a move in the right direction.”