Thread by @CPAGUK

Some stories from our latest report, out today, with @churchofengland. Some may sound familiar:

“I lost my job beginning of March and been unable to find a new job as my son’s nursery closed... I am in more debt and struggling to pay bills and feed my son and myself.”

A Dad, Graham, described not being able to cheer his daughter up by giving her money:

“I’ll break down and cry some days, I’ll go to my bedroom and cry, because I can’t give her £20 to go and buy something.”

“They can see there is no money... especially also for the 19-year-old, I don’t want her to know everything that’s happening because she gets very bad panic attacks and anxiety. I try to hide as much as I can from them, but yes, they know.”

“I don’t get anything from my little zero-hour contract part time job and all the expenses have doubled due to us being home constantly... We’re in rent arrears and not sure if we will have a place to live after all this.”

"I lost my job in a cafe at the beginning of lockdown. I was not offered furlough as the business was closing. My benefits have also decreased [due to benefit cap]. After bills... I am left with under £50 a week for food or other essential items for myself and 3 children."

“COVID-19 has impacted us greatly. I can't work as I am at home looking after my children. Food prices have rocketed. My partner’s income has greatly reduced because the clients can’t afford to pay him… It’s been so stressful. Only just got UC but that’s not enough to live on.”

Many more stories about the financial and non-financial impacts of coronavirus in our latest report with @churchofengland cpag.org.uk/policy-and-cam…

We're calling for:
1. #ChildBenefit to be increased by £10/week; and the same for child element in UC and child tax credits
2. Free school meals should go to all families who get UC or tax credits
3. The #BenefitCap should be abolished