The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has said an increase in Universal Credit is to be announced a the end of this year, just before Christmas. The announcement will come just days after another hike in the cost of energy bills - which could see the price of gas and electricity go up another 64%.
David Rutley MP, responding to a question asking the government to review benefit payments, said a review would take place in November. The MP said increase would be either in line with inflation or earnings - or could be higher than either. He said: "The Secretary of State must increase certain benefits by at least the increase in prices or earnings.
"If she considers it appropriate, having regard to the national economic situation and any other matters which she considers relevant, she may increase others by such a percentage(s) as she thinks fit."
