Government accused of being “heartless” as nearly 30,000 York residents could be hit with benefit cuts

Analysis from the House of Commons Library has unveiled that 29,615 residents in York, who receive inflation-linked benefits, could be faced with a real terms cut to their income, should the Conservatives go through with their plans.

2808 people who receive the Disability Living Allowance, which helps disabled people with living costs. The families of disabled children who require the most support, meanwhile, would see a devastating £229 less per year in real terms.

Shockingly, almost half of Universal Credit claimants in York are in employment – 1 in 5 of those households receiving support – further highlighting how important this lifeline is to those struggling the most.

Lib Dem councillors have urged the Government to immediately uprate benefits in line with inflation, to give the most vulnerable residents in the city reassurance they need as the cost of living crisis continues to soar.

So far this year this financial year, the Council has stepped in to provide extra support to the most vulnerable residents, including issuing over 2,000 food and fuel vouchers.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Finance and Major Projects, commented:

"As the cost of living crisis spirals out of control, the most vulnerable residents across the city need all the support they can to afford the very everyday basics. Throughout the crisis, the Council has stepped in to provide as much support as possible, for example through food and fuel vouchers.

“As Ministers debate, I know many people are gripped with anxiety over this potential blow, which could push many of them into poverty and hurt their ability to care for their loved ones.

"It is quite unbelievable how out of touch and heartless this Government has become. Instead of pulling the rug from under the feet of struggling families, they need to commit to up-rating benefits with inflation immediately.”