North and West Sutherland records second largest increase in Universal Credit uptake during lockdown
New figures have highlighted the devastating financial impact the Covid-19 pandemic is having on Sutherland communities.
Universal Credit statistics, published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), reveal there was a 75 per cent increase in the number of Universal Credit claimants throughout the Highlands when comparing take-up at March 2020 with the position in December of the same year.
While the number of claimants increased significantly in all areas of the region, the report reveals 49 out of 56 areas in Highland increased by 50 per cent or more.
North and West Sutherland saw the second largest rise of all the areas, with a 153 per cent increase in the number of households applying for the benefit during these months. Skye North West was the only other area to record a higher figure with a 185 per cent increase.
Ward councillor Linda Munro has described the figures as “sobering”.
Sutherland East saw a 64 per cent increase and Sutherland South 82 per cent during the same period.
Highland Council’s depute leader and chairman of the recovery board, Councillor Alasdair Christie said: “The scale of increase in the take-up of Universal Credit simply hasn’t been seen before and demonstrates just how severe the financial situation is for many Highland residents.”
East and Central Sutherland CAB manager Rachel MacDonell confirmed that an "unprecedented" number of people in the county had had to claim Universal Credit for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
She said the majority of new claimants had financial commitments that far outstripped the level of Universal Credit payments available.
“Our data shows a change in the demographic of people seeking advice from CAB since the pandemic struck in comparison with those who visited CAB pre-lockdown,” said Ms MacDonell.
“New clients are more likely to be young, owner occupiers and in employment."
She added that students in particular had been hard-hit as they were ineligible for Universal Credit but most likely to be working in the closed-down hospitality and tourism sector.
Ms MacDonell said: “Over the winter we have seen an increase in the number of people in crisis accessing our advice services. They are in need of support to heat their homes and put food in their cupboards.
“We want people to know that despite the challenges faced as a result of COVID-19, these are not issues you need to face alone, if you don’t know where to start, start with CAB. Our local advisers continue to be available to provide support."
