A man from Leeds who's currently living on less than £7 a day has begged the government not to cut Universal Credit payments down to pre-pandemic levels.
The £20 weekly top-up payment for those claiming Universal Credit was introduced by the government to help people, but now ministers are insisting that it be stopped.
Matthew held a position as a sales manager for 8 years, but everything went wrong for him after being illegally evicted from his home shortly after losing his position - at which point he discovered that the existing safety net provided to tax payers by the DWP is minimal.
Instead, he relied on charities and the church to help get him back on his feet. With their help, he managed to get back into having a nice house to live in, but he says he's still been unable to find work.
He told Leeds Live that he feels that there should be more financial support to help get people back into training, not less - saying that living on £50 a week is "impossible at the moment."
“I already don’t pay for my gas, I already cut it out.
“That extra £20 doesn’t seem like a lot but to me it is.”
Saying he is not currently looking for work because he's "trying to survive every day" he added that with a "bit of support, counselling back into work I could quite easily get back into work."
The benefit uplift that ministers want to cut is worth £1,040 a year to around 6 million Universal Credit claimants, many of whom are in low-paid jobs, at a cost to the government of around £6bn a year.
Charities, think tanks and unions across the country have warned against removing the uplift on 6 October, explaining that it will hit some of the poorest families the hardest at a time when energy bills are set to soar and the furlough scheme is coming to an end - which will likely push more people into unemployment.
They have also argued that it could hit the UK's coronavirus recovery, as it will mean millions losing dispoable income for spending on essentials.
All of this means that Rishi Sunak is coming under increasing pressure this week to u-turn on his decision to abandon the benefit uplift after many people have spoken out in defense of those in need, like Matthew.
Fellow minister Grant Shapps attempted to defend Sunak's decision this week but was ridiculed after he wrongly claimed that keeping the uplift would cost “several pennies” on income tax.
However, it was revealed that his claim regarding the cost of keeping the benefit uplift was several times higher than the official figure. HMRC figures have shown that if the chancellor decided to fund the tax this way it would cost less than 1%.
Feature image - Matthew Jeffrey
News
Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Government to slash prices of bus travel, cinema tickets and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer
Emily Sergeant
Cinema tickets, trips to the theatre and the zoo, and children’s meals out are all set to be cheaper than ever this summer.
That’s because the Government has announced its newest initiative, Great British Summer Savings, which means that from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Children’s meals served in restaurants, children’s and family tickets for the cinema, theatre, exhibitions, shows, and concerts, and admission tickets – for both children and adults – to a wide range of different attractions will be eligible for the discount.
Whether you want to visit an amusement park, fairs, circuses, museums, zoos, adventure parks, soft play centre, or something similar this summer, it just got a whole lot cheaper.
This aim of this initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
The Government says it will work with eligible businesses to get the scheme ‘up and running’.
The Government is slashing the prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer / Credit: Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash) | Supplied
And to make it even better, this is a UK-wide initiative, so no matter where you are in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the reduced rate will apply.
Going one step further, there will also be free bus travel for children aged between five and 15 in England in August, helping to support families getting out and about this summer.
The Government says the Great British Summer Savings initiative supports the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including cutting energy bills, freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
Businesses will be able to apply the 5% rate of VAT on eligible sales between 25 June and 1 September 2026.
Georgina Pellant -
29th September 2021 
