THE number of people on Universal Credit in Carlisle is at its highest level since December, new figures show.

Universal Credit is a monthly payment available to those on low incomes and those out of work.

The exact amount varies on your circumstances, but it is currently worth around £335 a month for a single person over 25.

According to provisional Department for Work and Pensions data from April 14, 8,309 people were receiving Universal Credit in Carlisle, the highest number since December.

READ MORE: Major change to DWP Universal Credit and benefits will see claimants 'worse off'

Andy Auld, CEO of Citizens Advice Carlisle & Eden, CACE, said: "Our staff and volunteers have been at the frontline of helping people through this pandemic. This cut has been devastating for the people we support.

"75% of the people Citizens Advice help with debt aren’t able to cover their essential household bills as a result of the cut.

"The loss of this lifeline has resulted in people getting behind on their bills or having to turn to food banks.

"This has been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis with fuel and food prices rising sharply at the same time as wages and benefit levels lag way below inflation levels.  This situation will worsen unless action is taken.

"With more people reliant on Universal Credit we call on the government to increase the UC rates and to provide more direct support to households struggling with increased fuel costs."

READ MORE: Universal Credit uplift will not return despite high cost of living

CACE say they have seen a big increase in the number of requests for food and fuel vouchers and from people wanting money advice to help with debt and help with energy bills after their energy companies went bust.

The cost of food, transport, heating and housing have all risen with the latest inflation rises. 

Figures from February show that 46% of households receiving Universal Credit in Carlisle are families with children, including 2,358 single-parent households.

According to the latest figures, from March, 45% of people on Universal Credit in Carlisle were in employment.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a charity tackling poverty in the UK, has criticised the Government for not increasing the benefit in line with inflation.