Daughters of Charity Services gravely concerned at Chancellor's mini-budget

Daughters of Charity Services has expressed grave fears for the poorest in society, following Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's Growth Plan which they say has failed to provide sufficient support for the lowest-income households.

In a statement DCS says: "The plan lays out significant tax cuts for the highest earners, with little support for those already struggling. Whilst welcoming the energy price cap, the charity expressed its concern for those who are still set to face a very challenging winter ahead, who even with the cap will find it difficult to meet their rising bills."

The charity also raises concern over the reforms to Universal Credit, including increasing the Administrative Earnings Threshold, set to push around 120,000 people into working longer hours and facing greater penalties if they are unable to. The commitment to the tightening of sanctions for those who are unable to find work is further cause for concern. The charity warns that this will punish those such as unpaid carers who face difficulties in working longer hours due to their own family commitments, such as childcare or providing care to an elderly relative.

"We are committed to the preferential option for the poor; what we have seen in this budget is the complete opposite of that. We strongly encourage the government to provide greater assistance to those who are struggling most, and who are facing the coming winter with fear and trepidation." said Mark Choonara, CEO of Daughters of Charity Services.

The charity has also criticised the government for cancelling the Health and Social Care Levy, which was supposed to come into effect in April 2023. The struggling care sector was relying on the upcoming levy to increase low-paid carers' wages and attract more workers to meet the demands of the industry.

"This raises significant questions as to where the desperately needed funds to shore up a failing social care system will come from," Mark said.

Daughters of Charity Services was founded by the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul with the key purpose to continue the Daughter's charitable works and Vincentian legacy long into the future. For more information see: www.dcsvpservices.org/