The Ulster Unionist Party’s East Belfast MLA and Communities spokesperson, Andy Allen MBE, has welcomed the announcement by the Chancellor in the Budget that the Universal Credit taper will reduce from 63% to 55% for those in employment, and has also called on the Communities Minister to do more to support those impacted by the increased cost of living crisis. 

Andy Allen said:

“I welcome the move to reduce the universal credit taper from 63% to 55% for every pound earned for those in employment. However, this should not be allowed to mask the shameful previous decision to remove the £20 per week Universal Credit uplift. 

“The budget will see Northern Ireland receive an additional £1.6bn through the Barnett formula and there will no doubt be competition for additional spending across all Departments. 

“Therefore, I reiterate my call for the Minister for Communities to immediately establish a Fuel Poverty Task Force to support and assist the Department in bringing meaningful long-term solutions to support those impacted by the increased cost of living and prevent many more individuals and families from falling into fuel poverty.”