New Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham will oversee monthly Universal Credit payments of £666 for couples where both partners are aged 25 or over. The enhanced payments, inherited from Sir Keir Starmer's government, amount to £98.05 per week for single claimants aged 25 or over and £166.74 per week for couples.
Payment Reductions and Eligibility
Claimants should be aware that their payments may be reduced under certain circumstances. These include repaying an advance on a Universal Credit payment, being subject to the benefit cap, or having been overpaid benefits in the past. Other deductions apply for outstanding debts such as Council Tax, court fines, electricity, gas, water, or Child Maintenance. Additionally, if claimants pay gas or electricity bills directly from their Universal Credit, or if they have a paid job, payments may be lowered.
Income from pensions or other benefits can also reduce the amount received. Savings and investments over £6,000 trigger a reduction of £4.35 for every £250 between £6,000 and £16,000, with an extra £4.35 deducted for any remaining amount not forming a complete £250.
Cost-of-Living Commitment
In his first speech as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged immediate action on the cost of living. “Later this year, I will bring forward a new plan for Britain, a 10-year plan, laying out a path from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be, wherever we’re coming from, whatever party we support,” he said. “But I can do something to give people some breathing space now, some help with the cost of living, and I will set out some of those measures starting tomorrow [Tuesday], including how we pay for them.”
