Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has called on the Government to think again about their plan to cut Universal Credit by £20 a week. The increase during the pandemic is due to be removed in the autumn and figures show local families will be hard hit. Currently more than 7,500 people claim Universal Credit in Tynemouth Constituency, 2 in 5 or 38% of them are already in work or self-employed. Removing the £20 will mean a cut in the income of the poorest families by £1000 a year, taking more than £7 million out of the local economy.

Alan Campbell said “I am calling on the Government not to take away this vital lifeline for many local families. A £1000 a year pay cut for many low paid and self-employed workers will push them further into poverty, do nothing to alleviate the effects of the pandemic and makes a mockery of any claim to be levelling up. The Government should and must think again”