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<p>The Government recognises that as with other households, the income of many separated
parents is being impacted by the public health emergency and some receiving parents
may receive less maintenance as a result of a paying parent’s drop in income.</p><p>
</p><p>We are however clear that no parent should be using this time as an excuse
not to pay what they owe. Those found to be abusing the system at this difficult time
could find themselves subject to the full extent of our enforcement powers once the
emergency passes.</p><p> </p><p>We have made a number changes to the welfare system
to ensure people are receiving the support they need. These include increasing the
standard rate of Universal Credit and working tax credit for this year by around £1000
per year. People who need money urgently continue to be able to access up to a month’s
Universal Credit advance upfront by applying online. In addition, Statutory Sick Pay
now applies from day one, rather than the fourth day of illness. We are increasing
in the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants
so that it covers the cheapest third of local rents – which is on average £600 in
people’s pockets.</p><p> </p><p>Taken together, these measures represent an injection
of over £6.5 billion into the welfare system and, along with the other job and business
support programmes announced by the Chancellor, represent one of the most comprehensive
packages of support introduced by an advanced economy in response to the coronavirus
outbreak.</p>
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