Dear John

CHURCH LEADERS - PLEASE SIGN OUR LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND ASK HIM TO
KEEP THE LIFELINE
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At the beginning of October, the Government plans to cut Universal Credit by £20
a week, reducing the already precarious incomes of families across the UK. We
have joined with the debt advice charity Christians Against Poverty, to write a
joint open letter to the Prime Minister, standing together to highlight our
concerns about the impact the cut would have on people in our churches and
communities. We invite you to sign the letter if you are a church leader - or
invite the leader(s) at your church to add their names.

If the Government persists with this cut, it would be the single biggest
overnight reduction in the basic rate of social security since the welfare state
was established in the 1940s. Millions of low-income households will be swept
further into poverty as a result. As Christians, we are compelled by the gospel
imperative to prioritise the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. We need
church leaders to speak up, because of the impact this will have on our poorest
neighbours and church members.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, poorer people in communities all over the
country were suffering because the lifelines they needed from our social
security system and vital neighbourhood services were not strong enough.
Analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has shown that the cut will
particularly hit the north of England, the West Midlands, Wales and Northern
Ireland. Rather than levelling up the UK, this will compound existing
inequalities.

The loss of £1,040 a year will be devastating for many families at a time when
energy bills and other household costs are increasing. Instead we can make sure
our social security system brings stability, and opens up options and
opportunities for people whose income is too low or insecure to make ends meet.

The cut has already been opposed by community groups up and down the country,
charities, six former Conservative Work and Pensions Secretaries, and many MPs
from all parties. This is an opportunity for the Government to send a message
that it listens, and recognises the pressure faced by those on the breadline.

THE GOVERNMENT MUST KEEP THE LIFELINE

Please follow the link below to add your name using our online form - or forward
this message to the leader(s) at your church. The form will close at 5pm on
Friday 24 September 2021.

Sign the letter now at [[link removed]]

Best wishes

Liam Purcell
Church Action on Poverty

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28 Sandpiper Court, Water's Edge Business Park, Modwen Road, Salford M5 3EZ
0161 872 9294
Registered charity number 1079986. Company limited by guarantee, registered in
England and Wales, number 3780243.

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