Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Raising the value of benefits would have been preferable to sending out a string of lump sum cost of living payments to households, according to a leading UK economics thinktank which has dubbed the sporadic cash boosts an “ineffective sticking plaster”.

Cost of living payments are ‘ineffective sticking plaster’, warns IFS

Benefits rise decision.

37,000 in Sunderland await benefits decision

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng delivered his "mini-budget" to the House of Commons, prompting a slump in the value of the pound. (Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament via AP)

Pound slumps as government spending plans savaged

Record numbers on Universal Credit.

Universal Credit help at highest ever

A report published this week by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has revealed the escalating problem of child poverty in the North East.

North East child poverty 'emergency' fears raised by Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Benefits claims stay high

One in 13 claim jobless benefits in Sunderland

One in 12 working age people in Sunderland are now on benefits

Virus puts one in 12 on benefits in Sunderland

The increase in payments was only designed to last a year. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Universal Credit payments could be decreased in April 2021 - here's why

One in 12 workers in Sunderland are on job-related benefits

One in 12 on benefits in Sunderland