Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds has criticised the UK Government following the decision to end the Universal Credit £20 top-up from October.

Data from the Commons Library reveals that there are 8,145 households on Universal Credit in Torfaen (And 5,053 households still on legacy benefits and tax credits).

Universal Credit was increased by £20 a week in April 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic to reduce the impact on those who are out of work or on low income. In March 2021 the uplift was extended for six months.

Mr Thomas-Symonds said: “The £20 uplift to Universal Credit has been a lifeline for millions of people across the country throughout the pandemic and should be made permanent. Over 8,000 households in Torfaen will be £1,000 a year worse off because of this cut, pushing more and more people into poverty.

“This is the wrong decision for these families and the wrong decision for the economy. This decision is not just opposed by the Labour Party and anti-poverty campaigners, but also by prominent Conservatives. The Government should listen to these warnings and cancel their cut to Universal Credit.”