Up to 4,000 Sutton residents could end up being driven to foodbanks if ministers proceed with cutting Universal Credit by £20 per week.
The figure was confirmed at a council meeting last week after Amy Haldane, Lib Dem councillor for Carshalton South & Clockhouse, raised her concerns.
Latest government figures show almost 19,000 residents across Sutton are currently relying on Universal Credit- an average of one person in every four homes in the borough.
Trussell Trust research found that one in five people receiving the benefit said they are “very likely” to need to use a food bank if the uplift is cut – the equivalent of 1.2 million people.
And 19% said they would be very likely to fall behind on housing costs, such as rent or mortgage payments.
The Government has not said whether the temporary increase, introduced at the start of the pandemic and in place until the end of March, will be extended.
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It has been described as a “lifeline” for struggling families, and the Trussell Trust says it has prevented tens of thousands of people from turning to a food bank.
Latest government figures show almost 19,000 residents across Sutton are currently relying on Universal Credit- an average of one person in every four homes in the borough.
Councillor Amy Haldane said: “It is absolutely shocking that in the midst of a pandemic, Tory ministers are even considering cutting Universal Credit by £20 a week.
"Universal Credit is currently a lifeline for nearly 19,000 residents across our borough.
"The idea that a fifth of these residents, or 4,000 people, could be driven to foodbanks by this heartless Tory decision is unacceptable.
"Liberal Democrats will oppose this cut and stand up for local families.
"We really hope Tory ministers will do the right thing and change their minds.”
On Sunday, children’s commissioner for England Anne Longfield said the £20-a-week boost in Universal Credit, which is due to end in April, should be extended.
She told Sophie Ridge on Sky News: “It’s had an important impact and that needs to continue.
“This isn’t the time for families to have that uncertainty or that drop in income."
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