'Deeply disappointing' - BPS responds to announcement that £20 universal credit uplift will be scrapped in the autumn

This £20 uplift has been a lifeline for many families across the country, enabling them to put food the table and pay the bills.

The decision to take away £20 from those families already on a low income will push many into poverty.

Saying the uplift is to be 'phased out' fails to reflect the huge overnight cut in incomes families will experience

It is vital that claimants are made aware of these changes with notice so they can attempt to plan and mitigate the impact this will have.

 Julia Faulconbridge, Chartered Psychologist and member of the Division of Clinical Psychology, said:

"The government talks about 'levelling up' and 'building back better', but how can we level up when the government takes a conscious decision to weaken the social security system and cut families adrift from the support they so desperately need.

This will do nothing but hit the most vulnerable in society.

We have previously spoken before about the impact of this cut on the mental and physical health of families and children and this announcement today will only serve to bring greater stress and worry to millions.

The government seriously needs to reassess its approach to social security and take a long-term approach to supporting families and children."