Protect the Most Vulnerable: Uprate Benefits by Inflation

They now find themselves disproportionately affected by the current cost of living crisis; crushing energy bills and faced with the stark choice of going cold or hungry to make ends meet. The Consumer Price Index figure announced today by the Office for National Statistics stands at 6.7%, with inflation at 13.6% for essential food items and non-alcoholic beverages such as milk, vegetables, bread, cereals, meat and eggs.

Traditionally the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure in September has been the default inflation measure for the Government’s statutory annual review of benefits since 2011.

However, the current Prime Minister and Chancellor have failed to commit to benefit uprating in line with inflation for next year, at a time when our poorest families are facing the sharpest end of this cost-of-living crisis, and without substantial support will be dragged into destitution. Instead the Government are reportedly considering introducing tax cuts for the most well off, on the backs of the poorest people in our society.

The minimum the Government should do right now is to end the confusion and fear amongst vulnerable low income households and commit to benefit uprating in line with inflation.

END.

NOTES:

1. Press Contact - Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy, Advice NI on 028 9064 5919
2. Advice NI is the umbrella body for the Independent Advice Network in Northern Ireland. In 2021/2022 Advice NI and its members dealt with 241,000 enquiries, the majority being social security benefits related.
3. To find out more about the work of the Independent Advice Network or to obtain copies of the various publications produced by Advice NI, please contact us at 02890 645919, email comms@adviceni.net or visit our www.adviceni.net
4. If you need advice on legacy benefits or Universal Credit please call our Freephone helpline on 0800 915 4604

For latest inflation figures see www.ons.gov.uk