A charity is warning of increased debt and hardship if a “lifeline” ends in October that could affect hundreds of people in Watford.

Citizens Advice Watford is urging the government against a cut to Universal Credit that it says would impact one in seven people in the town.

According to the latest available figures, approximately 39 per cent of residents set to see their benefits drop are families with children and 40 per cent are already in work.

Staff and volunteers at the charity have helped 1,183 people with Universal Credit since March last year.

It says the £20 a week increase has been a ‘lifeline’ and has supported people who were already struggling before the pandemic as well as those hit by Covid job losses.

Penny is a Benefits Adviser at Citizens Advice Watford and has first-hand experience of seeing how people struggle on Universal Credit.

She said: “That extra money makes the difference between choosing to put the heating on or eating a decent meal for the people we support. Many have lost jobs through no fault of their own and are still struggling to find work. The increase of £20 a week is absolutely essential for them to budget each month.”

Chief officer of Citizens Advice Watford Emma Burgham said: “Every day, our staff and volunteers see the difference the increase to Universal Credit has made to families. It’s what has helped them keep their heads above water.

“Without that extra money, we fear we’d see more people coming to us with money problems, unable to pay their bills or turning to food banks because they can’t afford the essentials.

“The government must invest in the benefits system and keep this vital lifeline even as we emerge from the pandemic.”