Why benefits need to rise with inflation

Why benefits need to rise with inflation

Benefits are designed to be increased, or ‘uprated’, with inflation every year. If this does not happen, as prices rise benefit payments don't stretch as far - meaning people experience a cut in support.

The government is yet to confirm that benefits will be uprated as usual next April. It's crucial benefits rise with inflation and not a lower measure, such as earnings, to prevent a drastic cut in support. 

In this interactive graphic, we look at how rising prices have led to unwelcome records for our service demand and the need for benefits to rise with inflation at a minimum to prevent this becoming the new normal.