22,000 in South Tyneside await benefits decision

A decision on whether benefits will be increased by the same rate as wages – currently 5.4% – or prices, which soared almost 10% in the year to August os due to be confirmed later this month.

New analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) charity reveals that an estimated 22,324 families receiving means-tested support – 9,861 in the Jarrow constituency and 12,463 in South Shields – will be impacted if benefits were only to rise in line with wages.

The planned increase would also apply to child benefits, which are claimed for 14,010 children in Jarrow and 13,345 in South Shields.

The JRF says the basic rate of benefits is currently at a historic low in real terms.

Katie Schmuecker, principal policy advisor for the charity, said: “We know millions of families have already gone without the essentials this year, missing meals, not cooking hot food or having hot showers.

"It is unconscionable that the Government should be considering cutting their ability to pay for what they need."

A spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions said: “We are committed to looking after the most vulnerable which is why we’ve delivered at least £1,200 of support to families this winter, while also saving households an average of £1,000 a year through our Energy Price Guarantee.

"This support is on top of the annual working-age benefits bill, which is over £87 billion.”