Number of people on universal credit hits all-time high in Mansfield

The figures come as a think tank calls for social security to be pegged to the cost of living.

Universal credit is a benefit available to those out of work, disabled or below a threshold of earnings and savings.

Combined with a winding-up of older benefits and reduced employment opportunities, the number of people on UC rose dramatically over the coronavirus pandemic and has remained high since.

Department for Work and Pensions figures show 11,580 people on the benefit in Mansfield as of March – the most ever in the area and a 9 per cent rise on 10,601 in March 2022.

Sam Tims, of the New Economics Foundation think tank, said “inadequate levels of support” combined with low pay and insecure work was forcing people receiving benefits into difficult decisions.

In March, 42 per cent of universal credit recipients in the area were employed.

Across England and Wales, the number of households with a member on universal credit reached a record peak in February, at nearly 4.5 million, including 8,746 in Mansfield.

Anna Stevenson, of anti-poverty charity Turn2Us, said “far too many households” are still struggling financially.

She said: “The Government needs to ensure support is there when people need it, and it’s the right support to get through this crisis.

“The longer term, systemic answer, is to build an effective social security system in which people can thrive.”

In England and Wales 111 other local authorities hit their highest number of universal credit recipients in March – more than 30 per cent of all areas.