The change will come into effect no later than 1^st December and will support many of the lowest paid families by providing them with £1,000 a year more on average. Rishi Sunak said it would affect some two million families.

Commenting on the new UC announcement, Sherrelle Collman, Managing Director, Caridon Foundation says: “We welcome the Chancellor’s announcement to cut the Universal Credit taper rate. As an organisation that works to help some of the lowest paid people in our country, any support is absolutely vital and an additional £1000+ a year will make a significant difference. 

However, this would have been a real boost if the £20 a week Universal Credit uplift, introduced during the pandemic, had not been cut. The latest tax cut does not support those who are unable to work, due to illness for example, and with the cost of living rising we are concerned for some of the most vulnerable people in society as we head into winter and anticipate a rise in demand for services like ours.”

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Starting from June, BT will launch a ‘market-leading social tariff’ called BT Home Essentials, connecting those in receipt of Universal Credit and anyone on legacy benefits such as Employment Support Allowance and Pension’s Credit, with affordable fibre broadband and calls.

The move is part of BT’s new pledge to support 4.6 million struggling households, after research by the telecommunications giant found that since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, almost three quarters (74%) of Brits would find it difficult to improve their financial situation without connectivity to the internet.

At Caridon Foundation, we know how important access to the internet and phone is to vulnerable individuals, not least to help them stay in touch with loved ones, particularly over the last year, but also to enable them to look for work and start to rebuild a life of independence. Fast, reliable connectivity has never been as important, especially as we know more people than ever need help getting back on their feet after the pandemic.

The package offers average download speeds of 36 Mbps and 700 minutes of calls for £15 a month – a saving of around £240 a year compared to its £27.99 Fibre Essential plan which applies for all other households.

Alternatively, eligible customers can also opt for average speeds of 67 Mbps and unlimited calls for £20 per month.

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