Benefits system is forcing people on to the streets, Gordon Brown warns

The UK’s benefits system is penalising the most vulnerable and forcing people onto the streets, former prime minister Gordon Brown has warned.

Writing for the Big Issue’s Christmas edition, Brown called for the government to stop benefit deductions immediately – before Christmas and for the duration of the energy crisis.

Brown, who in response to the energy bills crisis created an Anti-Poverty Coalition which includes the Big Issue and other leading organisations, has spent the autumn campaigning for an increase to universal credit.

“I am more convinced than ever that we need to guarantee a decent minimum income to all in need. But if the government wants to ease pressures before Christmas, the first thing they should do immediately is suspend deductions for the duration of this energy crisis,” Brown said.

He added: “No one should be forced onto the streets. But I’m sensing that our benefits system is now doing just that. It’s not just that benefits are too low for families to make ends meet as fuel and food bills soar.

“It’s that during the worst winter in living memory for millions, the Department for Work and Pensions are persisting with a policy that penalises the most vulnerable – syphoning off deductions from already low benefits – and causing destitution.”

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Universal credit deductions are pushing recipients far below the minimum income needed to get by, Brown argued. He used the example of a single person receiving £77 a week, who after deductions and payments for gas, electric, water, and council tax, would be left with just £3 or £4 – or £21 to £28 a week – to pay for food and other essentials.

The bare minimum income standard, according to Loughborough University, is £34.05. This shortfall means items such as toothpaste and soap are becoming luxuries, Brown said.

“For too many on benefits, it means when anything breaks down – like a cooker, fridge or TV – they cannot be repaired because the call-out and repair costs are too high. It means too that beds, bedding and carpets can never be afforded – and homes are falling into disrepair,” he wrote.

“And it means that toothpaste, soap, toilet rolls – let alone nappies and hygiene products – are becoming luxury goods.”

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The cost of living crisis has also severely impacted Big Issue sellers this winter, with the number needing help with critical payments for food and fuel increasing seven-fold.

Lord John Bird, the founder of the Big Issue, appealed to the public to buy a magazine directly from vendors when they can or take out a subscription to  support vendors throughout the winter.

Read the full article from Brown in the latest edition of the Big Issue magazine, available from vendors across the country.

The Big Issue’s #BigFutures campaign is calling for investment in decent and affordable housing, ending the low wage economy, and millions of green jobs. The last 10 years of austerity and cuts to public services have failed to deliver better living standards for people in this country. Sign the open letter and demand a better future.