PowerSwitch

[johnhemming2]

i have run the figures through a benefits calculator for universal credit both this year and next.

For a couple (with two children aged 6-9) where one partner is working 35 hours a week on the minimum wage of 6.70 earnings are 234.50 per week.

UC is 242.90 this year and 240.93 next year. Council Tax support is 1.51 this year and 1.95 next year. The Child benefit is static at 34.40.

Hence the total income each time is just over £500 per week.

Rents are around £500-£600 per month. I don't think this can be properly described as destitution.

Obviously not everyone has moved to UC credit yet, but that I believe still the objective.

Currently WTC is 20 pw and CTC is 50.39 pw.
Housing benefit would be around £120 per week as well.

Hence UC is higher.

Having made a stab at the WTC changes the above household would lose WTC under the new regime.

This is a reduction of about £20 per week in the household income over over £500.

Obviously a lot depends upon the roll out of Universal Credit as that would protect people. However, I still think the policy is ill advised.

[RenewableCandy]

I'd love to know where a family of 4 can find a gaff at the price of £600 per month!

Probably nowhere near their work, which would mean a car would become a "necessity"...
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