Iain leads the development of social security policy at JRF, with a focus on how to enable more people to move out of poverty through a better system of social security. Iain previously worked on UK poverty policy and advocacy for a leading children’s charity. Before that he helped to develop a comprehensive new social security policy platform for a major UK political party and was previously a senior manager with an international business advisory firm.
Email: iain.porter@jrf.org.uk
Twitter: @iainkporter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iainkporter/
With around nine in ten low-income households receiving Universal Credit unable to afford essentials, this summary draws on growing evidence to show how inadequate income can act as a barrier to work.
The next few weeks, in the lead up to the Spring Budget, will be one of the most crucial moments for our social security system for many years.
The Government must keep this lifeline and stop it from being whipped away overnight from around 16 million people in April, cutting many of us adrift and pushing us deeper into hardship.
It’s not right that so many of us are relying on food banks to weather the coronavirus storm. We must urgently strengthen the lifelines that could keep each and every one of us afloat, says Iain Porter.
We must design just policies and practices that unlock support, and provide security for every member of our society.
The recent welcome, but limited, measures will not move the dial enough to ensure people have a decent, secure home, or ensure that work pays, says Iain Porter.
It should be our social security system – rather than foodbanks – that helps us keep our heads above water when we’re struggling. More flexibility in Universal Credit could make a big difference, says Iain Porter.