The Government confirmed over the weekend that the freeze will stop as planned next year, with Universal Credit due to rise by 1.7% in line with inflation.
Some have been critical of the plan – saying the increase will only “keep pace” with rising prices, meaning there will be no improvement in families’ living standards.
This is what readers had to say on social media.
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Richard Purdom: “1.7% a big help? A family getting £200 a week will get an extra £3.50 which won't cover inflation. That's without the inflationary cuts they've had the last few years.”
Alan Collings: “They give you in it in one hand, and take it back with the other, so no one really benefits at all. Do they?”
Julie Kelly: “Wish I had never heard of universal credit.”
Graham S Dale: “The money will go up but I bet sanctions tighten too.”
Dawn Hume: “The money for most people having to claim this is totally inadequate.”
Jacki Thew: “Me and my husband now disabled worked 82 years between us I recently I had 10 weeks off work ... not entitled to one single penny.”
Joan Davison: “I would be happy if they cut the tax they take off my pension.”
Paige Wilkinson: “Bring our old system back!”
Gareth Marchant: “Every little bit helps but only 1.7% will not cover the rising cost of living.”
Andie Rowley Gardner: “It’s just not good enough!”
Kimberley Jo Drummond: “They put universal credit up and then rent will go up and the rest of the bills so what’s the point.”
Christine Powell: “Austerity was always a political choice never a necessity.”
Joe Bellerby: “When I was on UC I was getting £317.82 a month, under this it'll go up to £323.22, its nowhere near enough when you're looking for work and trying to pay for basics.”
Colin McDonald: “And take it off somewhere else.”