News

More people on universal credit in Barnet

36,853 people are using the benefit in Barnet – a 4% rise on last year reports Will Grimond, Data Reporter

The doors of a Jobcentreplus building with UC Universal Credit on the right door - as Barnet sees a 4% rise in people claiming Universal Credit
The number of households with a member on universal credit reached a record peak in February, at nearly 4.5 million across England and Wales- (Credit – Radar)

More people were on universal credit in Barnet in March than a year before, figures show.

The figures come as a think tank calls for social security to be pegged to the cost of living.

Universal credit is a benefit available to those out of work, disabled or below a threshold of earnings and savings.

Combined with a winding-up of older benefits and reduced employment opportunities, the number of people using universal credit across England rose dramatically over the pandemic – and has remained high since.

Provisional figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show 36,853 people were using the benefit in Barnet as of March – a 4% rise on 35,417 the year before.

Sam Tims, economist at the New Economics Foundation think tank, said “inadequate levels of support” combined with low pay and insecure work was forcing people receiving benefits into difficult decisions. In March, 39% of universal credit recipients in the area were employed.

He urged for benefits to be benchmarked to the cost of living, to help those struggling with the current crisis.

The number of households with a member on universal credit reached a record peak in February, at nearly 4.5 million across England and Wales.

This included Barnet, where 28,225 households were receiving the benefit.

Anna Stevenson, benefits expert at anti-poverty charity Turn2Us, said “far too many households” are still struggling financially.

She continued: “The Government needs to make sure support is there when people need it, and that it’s the right support to get through this crisis.

“The longer term, systemic answer, is to build an effective social security system in which people can thrive.”

The number of recipients in the area peaked in April 2021, when 38,481 were receiving the benefit.

In England and Wales 112 local authorities hit their highest ever number of universal credit recipients in March – more than 30% of all areas.


No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit 

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.

Donate now with Pay Pal

More information on supporting us monthly 

More Information about donations