Response from poverty charity Turn2us to Budget

Leading poverty charity Turn2us has welcomed confirmation of the planned rise in the living wage and personal tax free allowance, and the reduction in the Universal Credit taper rate, which were announced in today’s Budget. However the charity warned that many of those already living in poverty, and those vulnerable to it, are facing significant challenges over the next year.

Commenting on today’s Budget announcement, Simon Hopkins, Chief Executive of Turn2us, said:

“With a steady rise in people seeking our help to pay for basic living costs, we are seeing how the lives of those in, and vulnerable to, poverty, are becoming increasingly difficult.  

“We are very worried about the rising rate of inflation and how it could leave many families with shrinking household budgets. Many are already making hard choices when they are shopping for food and other everyday essentials.

“We therefore welcome the rise in the living wage and personal tax free allowance, and the reduction in the Universal Credit taper rate, which will offer some help to financially vulnerable families. Nevertheless, our most vulnerable households are facing significant challenges over the next year.”