Universal Credit
Responding to the Government’s decision to extend the Universal
Credit uplift for six months, Sam Nadel, Oxfam Head of Policy and
Advocacy, said:
“The Chancellor’s decision will bring some relief to millions of
families struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table
during this pandemic.
“But given the long-term economic impact of the pandemic, the
Government could and should have ended the uncertainty faced by
millions of low-income families and workers by extending the £20
uplift for at least a year.
“Today’s announcement is welcome but is the minimum that the
Government needed to do to help those on low incomes who are
being hit hardest.”
Restart Grants for retailers:
Responding to the Government’s announcement of the Restart
Grants support for High Street retailers hit by the pandemic, Sam
Nadel, Oxfam Head of Policy and Advocacy, said:
“Additional support for high street retailers is welcome –
every pound we lose while our shops are closed is a pound less we
can spend helping people around the world who have been hit hard
by conflict, climate change and Covid-19.
"However, this support will only have the intended impact
if it is not capped in a way that penalises charities with large
shop networks. Current subsidy control measures were put in place
to prevent unfair competition between companies – they should not
be unfairly applied to charity shops.”