The Work and Pensions Select Committee has launched a new inquiry to look at whether working age benefit levels in the UK are adequate to meet the needs of the people claiming. The cross-party Committee of MPs, chaired by Sir Stephen Timms MP, will ask if it is possible for the UK Government to reach consensus around what an ‘adequate’ benefits system would look like and how it would operate.
The Committee said that in recent years, the adequacy of current benefit levels have been called into question. Citizens Advice have found that a record number of people are receiving crisis support, such as help from food banks or other charities.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns coupled with the cost of living crisis has also led to the UK Government providing emergency financial support packages, including specific interventions for those already receiving benefits.
