Responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales, said:

“While YMCA appreciates and acknowledges the pressures faced by inflation, international conflict, and our very necessary response, there is no denying that the Chancellor has missed a vital opportunity to provide support for those in desperate financial need.

 

“Tax cuts for workers are welcome; however, where is the support for vulnerable, long term unemployed people and those in receipt of Universal Credit who will still be struggling to make ends meet and only suffer more as inflation continues to rise?

 

“With this in mind, the Chancellor cannot and must not miss the opportunity come autumn to re-introduce the crucial £20 Universal Credit uplift in order to support the most vulnerable, many of whom are young people whose dream of leading a financially viable and independent life will currently seem impossible.”

 

YMCA England & Wales is made up of more than 80 member YMCAs working to ensure young people have opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to their communities. Those YMCAs operate in 700 different communities, impacting upon the lives of more than 570,000 people every year.