Turn2us responds to the Spring Statement 2022

Michael Clarke, Head of Information Programmes at Turn2us says:

“Today’s Spring Statement falls far short of delivering measures that keep people on the lowest incomes afloat during this unprecedented cost of living crisis. While the Chancellor’s announcement will cushion the financial blow for many, it does not go far enough in protecting people from a living standards catastrophe.

“We welcome the additional £500m investment into the Household Support Fund, which allows local councils to provide short-term, crisis funding. The increased threshold for National Insurance contributions will also help many low-income working families bridge the financial gap. But when paired with rising inflation, soaring energy bills and increasing living costs, these measures mean those of us unable to work due to ill-health, or with children, are left behind.

“Millions of people will face a real-terms benefits cut come April, and we are disappointed the Chancellor did not use this opportunity to uprate benefits in line with inflation to mitigate this. We’re already hearing how many household budgets simply can’t stretch anymore. We must not underestimate the scale of the crisis we are facing, especially as the next 12 months will result in thousands of people facing impossible choices between keeping a roof over their heads or feeding their children to survive.”