Latest findings from the SFHA Universal Credit survey

The report, which can be accessed here, is based on data gathered between October and December 2020. It highlights the ongoing challenges of the increasing number of Universal Credit claimants and the shift to remote service delivery during the pandemic. Across all tenancies, there have been reported increases in the demand for welfare advice, foodbank vouchers and support with other household bills (e.g. fuel costs), particularly around the Christmas period. 

While some of the recent emergency funding and £20 per week uplift to Universal Credit, brought in to support claimants through the coronavirus pandemic may have mitigated the impacts to some degree, there are concerns about what will happen if these important lifelines are no longer available. SFHA will continue to campaign for the £20 per week uplift to the standard Universal Credit allowance to be made permanent and for other support mechanisms to support those who are struggling to pay their rent or other household bills.  

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the survey to date. If you have any questions or comments on the survey, please contact Cassandra Dove, SFHA Research and Policy Lead, at cdove@sfha.co.uk.