The Oldham Liberal Democrats are disappointed that Chancellor Rishi Sunak has chosen not to make the £20 uplift in Universal Credit permanent in the March Budget.

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, who also serves as Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group at the Local Government Association, joined over 30 Liberal Democrat Council Leaders and elected Mayors in England in writing to the government on this issue last month.

Despite their plea to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP to respect January’s vote in Parliament calling for a permanent increase, the Chancellor has chosen only to extend the extra £20 per week uplift in Universal Credit benefit payments until the end of September. 

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE said:  “Millions of people are suffering in this country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uplift in Universal Credit has been a lifeline to them.  Today’s news is a big disappointment.  Yes, the uplift will continue to be paid for a further six months, and that is a small comfort, but in the autumn recipients of Universal Credit will be facing penury as benefit rates fall to pre-COVID levels. The Liberal Democrats shall continue to try to change the Chancellor’s mind, because the economic downturn and mass unemployment will not be going away anytime soon.”