In today's Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced several measures concerning Universal Credit. These included a £1bn package of measures to ease the transition to Universal Credit, the details of which will be disclosed at a later date.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said in response:

“Today’s Budget was a missed opportunity to announce simple measures that would help prevent people from becoming homeless.    

“At the moment, delays and errors in Universal Credit payments are putting some people at a serious risk of becoming homeless. This simply can’t go on. Our call for dedicated housing and homelessness specialists in Britain’s Jobcentres would provide vital support for people applying for Universal Credit. 

“The Chancellor’s announcements on Universal Credit today were a step in the right direction, but the government must ensure these specialists are part of the package announced today. If Phillip Hammond and the government are serious about their pledge to end rough sleeping - the most visible form of homelessness - in England by 2027, then they must match their bold promises with equally bold measures to get the job done.”