INVERCLYDE Council will write to the Prime Minister and Chancellor to 'demand' that the £20-a-week increase to Universal Credit is made permanent.

The UK Government announced a temporary top-up to the benefit payment last March as the coronavirus crisis struck.

With the uplift currently due to end in April, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is coming under increasing pressure to extend his offer with the country still under severe lockdown.

Over 9,000 people in Inverclyde are in receipt of universal credit and the additional money has been crucial for them during the pandemic.

At a full council meeting, elected members agreed the council should write to Mr Sunak and Boris Johnson to order them to keep the 'vital' boost in place permanently - and to extend it to claimants on legacy benefits.

Councillor Chris McEleny – who tabled the original motion – said he was concerned the proposed end to the uplift clashed with the end of the furlough scheme.

He said: “You are talking in the region of six million being taken away from the most vulnerable people in Inverclyde.

“This £20 reduction will coincide with people having furlough coming to an end and we will likely see unemployment go through the roof in Inverclyde.

"It would be a perfect storm.”

Councillor Jim MacLeod, who seconded his SNP colleague's motion, added: “The additional £20 uplift by the UK Government is welcome and it has helped many individuals and families since it was introduced.

"In Inverclyde, there are a high number of people and families on benefits.

“The additional £20 has proven to be vital for many claimants in helping to assist with food and heating. 

“We have to retain this uplift.

"It’s not a huge sum of money but for many it’s kept their heads above water.”

Conservative councillor Graeme Brooks said he wasn’t happy with the wording of Councillor McEleny’s motion and tabled an amendment 'urging' the UK Government to retain the increase for the 'foreseeable future'.

However, members supported Mr McEleny’s original text by 19 votes to two.

The motion also suggested that the council works with other local government organisations to form a coalition that could lobby ministers into making the uplift permanent.

Chancellor Mr Sunak is due to deliver his budget speech on Wednesday.