Readers have been responding to calls which have been issued to reintroduce the Universal Credit uplift in the Autumn Budget.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has called on the UK Government to reintroduce the £20 uplift of Universal Credit to prevent disadvantaged families from struggling further.

Families were given an additional £20 in their Universal Credit payments during the Covid-19 pandemic to account for the financial struggles of the period.

But the £20 per week uplift, which was hailed as a lifeline to disadvantaged families, came to an end on October 6.

Pete Moran, leader of Cumbria Law Centre said: "We have already seen some people, it's a relatively small number we've seen so far struggling because of that specific thing but it has contributed to some people's problems.

"We know every well that there was an awful lot of people who had a mixture of earned income and some benefit income through Universal Credit to whom that £20 made all the difference in the world.

"It kept them just the right side of debt or getting into rate arrears.

"It's a significant amount of money in a year."

Readers have been sharing their thoughts.

Mark S Popple said: "It shouldn't have been removed in the first place.

"But what about those who've been working all through the pandemic?

"Where's their help?

"Prices of everything has risen significantly, so therefore there needs to be an equally significant rise in salary for all."

Laura Storey said: "I honestly wouldn’t mind if it went to help the elderly pensioners or extremely vulnerable but we all know they don’t get any extra assistance despite paying into the system their whole lives."

Rachel Sharp said: "I'm genuinely surprised it was removed during the current pandemic and economic situation.

"With the way food, utility prices etc. are rising it's not really an 'uplift' or bonus, it more means those who receive it can still pay for the same necessities for their families rather than having to choose between eating and putting the heating on."

Jamie Harrison put things into perspective: "There are people who live in the UK who get away with paying 1% tax whilst hoarding more money than the total GDP of entire nations, and we're begrudging £20 to people who have to make the choice between heating and food.

"Get a grip."