The economic shock of the Covid crisis has been one of the key challenges during the pandemic, with family incomes coming under particular pressure for workers affected by lockdown restrictions. The Chancellor has put a raft of measures in place to support employees, the self-employed and businesses, whilst universal credit has provided a safety net for many low income families. Creditors have also played their part, with support provided to hard-pressed families struggling with debt.
Organisations in the money advice sector have stepped up to provide critical support during this time, with struggling families searching for advice and support to understand what they might be entitled to.
IncomeMax, the social enterprise that helps people to maximise income, has seen a dramatic rise in families needing their help. People affected by the Covid crisis have been guided to access the financial support they need, with IncomeMax providing reassuring, human-led support.
Founder Lee Healey explains, “It’s been such a difficult time for many families, with many people needing to access the Government Covid financial support schemes or Universal Credit. We’ve been doing everything we can to support and advise families, many of whom have been referred in to us by our creditor partners who are also doing everything they can to offer support to customers at this time.”
IncomeMax is just one example of the UK’s spirited and dedicated money advice sector organisations.
Lee says, “It has been really good to be part of the money advice sector during the Covid crisis. Every money advice organisation has been pulling together to provide support to UK citizens, across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and in every community. National and community advice services, charities and social enterprises, local authorities and Government services have all stepped up to provide extra assistance where they can.
It’s going to be a bumpy ride for UK citizens as the Government look to re-build the economy, but Lee is pleased the Government is taking the issue of family incomes seriously.
“I’d urge the Government to prioritise family incomes as we build back better. It’s great the Prime Minister is talking to high profile campaigners like Marcus Rashford, who is highlighting the stresses families are under. We’ve got a golden opportunity, post Covid, to reset our social security safety net and to create an economy that is inclusive and works for everyone. If we want families and the planet to to thrive, we really need to think about the role of the state, employers and citizens in relation to incomes, the cost of living and debt.”
“The money advice sector have long been advocating for a more fair, just and equal society and now feels like the time to take that thinking forward."
