Gingerbread has long had concerns that the amount of money given under UC is insufficient and does not secure the financial position of single parent families, most of whom are in work, and many of whom struggle to make ends meet. 

Listen to Luned’s story

• The DWP must ensure that the basic rate of UC truly reflects the cost of living by 

• Uprating the basic rate annually in line with inflation. 

• Introducing an Essentials Guarantee in line with recommendations by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Trussell Trust, but ensuring calculations look at the specific needs of single parent households. This guarantee would mean enshrining in law that the basic rate of UC at least covers the essentials. 

• The DWP must abolish the two-child limit and benefit cap.