Eastwood: Tories must urgently uprate benefits for those struggling

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood says he is deeply concerned about the impact of Government inaction for those on benefits and has called on the British government to urgently uprate benefits at least in line with inflation.

Said the Foyle MP: “Figures from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s latest research show just how many families in Derry face a cut in social securities if the Tories do not uprate benefits at least in line with inflation.

“In Derry alone, 47% of families receive means-tested benefits, 11,893 households receive legacy benefits.

“My office is inundated with concerned constituents unable to buy essentials, skipping meals, unable to put the heating on and even taking out loans just to make ends meet.

“The British government uprated benefits by 3.1% in April 2022 while inflation was already 9% and has risen again.

“They cannot just sit on their hands while people struggle.

“With the current basic rate of out-of-work support at its lowest level in real terms in 40 years, low-income households are feeling the strain.

“The Tory government must do the right thing and immediately uprate benefits so that rates catch up with inflation and help people out of further impending hardship.”

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