ALMOST half of those on Universal Credit – equivalent to nearly 3 million claimants – reckon they won't be able to live on a lower household budget, according to a new poll. 

The research, conducted by charity Save the Children, showed that 47% of people currently receiving the benefit expressed worry over plans to scrap the £20 per week cash boost.

In October, the UK Government plans to cut the payment increase that has been in place since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the survey of those on Universal Credit shows that this will put significant pressure on family budgets.

As well as the half of people who don’t expect to be able to afford the loss, a further 18% say they don’t know if they’ll be able to manage.

Single parents are the most concerned about their finances, with over half (52%) saying they don’t think they can live on £20 less per week. 

READ MORE: Universal Credit claimants told £20 per week uplift will end via text message

Explaining his intention to proceed with the cut, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has emphasised the need for more well-paid jobs.

However, the Keep the Lifeline campaign has emphasised that two in five of those on Universal Credit are already in work but are still at risk of being pushed into poverty and hardship. 

Dan Paskins, director of UK impact at Save the Children, said: "The £20 increase is a lifeline for families. People we work with tell us that they’re relying on it to buy essentials like food and clothing for themselves and their children.

“Without it, hundreds of thousands more people will be pushed into poverty. That’s why we’re calling on the UK government to abandon its plans to cut Universal Credit this autumn.

“Across political divides, a growing number of voices agree that our social security net has got to be strong enough to catch people when they need it most.  

“This is a test of the UK government’s levelling up agenda. Ministers should support families and communities to rebuild, not cut them adrift.” 

READ MORE: Universal Credit: When you will get paid in August as payment date changes

Gemma, a part-time working single mum to three-year-old Poppy, said: “Before the £20-a-week increase, I was having to budget but the money just wasn't stretching to my bills.

“So for me, £20 a week is a lifeline. It buys Poppy's packed lunches and her food for the week. 

“To take that away from people, families including myself and Poppy are going to really struggle and be plunged back into debt again.

“When that £20 increase isn't there anymore, I’ll end up using my credit card to pay for things like fuel to get to work and at first it might be okay – but then you spiral into that cycle of debt, and I can't afford to do that again. 

“The government say they're taking away this £20 increase to encourage people back into work but lots of people claiming Universal Credit are in work and it’s simply to top up earnings due to low incomes or perhaps just one parent having one single income coming in.”