by Niall Christie

Scotland editor

THE Scottish and Westminster governments have both been urged to do more for those most most in need when setting out their budgets this month. 

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been told the government should make the £20 uplift to universal credit (UC) permanent, after pressure from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS). 

In a briefing sent to all Scottish MPs, the charity said that without the uplift UC will fall below the rate of inflation — and risk leaving thousands of Scottish households in poverty.

Previous figures from the charity showed that if the £20 uplift is cut, the payment’s purchasing power will fall below its 2013 value.

CAS social justice spokesperson Nina Ballantyne said: “The uplift has been key for keeping many households above water. Making it permanent next week will give people the security they need as the economy reopens.

“The alternative would sweep people in Scotland and across Britain into poverty.”

The warning came as the SNP government was told by the Scottish Greens they cannot back the Scottish budget unless more is done to tackle poverty.

Co-leader Patrick Harvie, whose party has voted through the government’s financial plans in recent years, has said he hopes Finance Secretary Kate Forbes would take more direct action against poverty.

Mr Harvie said: “We’ve proposed various ways the government might get support to people including via social security payments, by cutting energy bills, providing free school meals to all primary school children and ensuring a fair public-sector pay settlement is reached.

“We remain willing to work constructively to deliver vital changes to the budget but can only vote for it if the government makes significant movement, ensuring all those living in poverty get the essential support they need.”