Continuing the suspension of the minimum income floor is the right "common-sense approach" says Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice has responded to an announcement that the government has extended the suspension of the minimum income floor for self-employed workers until April next year.

Alistair Cromwell, Acting Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“We’re pleased the government has taken this common-sense approach and listened to concerns we’ve raised.

“Many self-employed workers have viable businesses but are grappling with ongoing restrictions to trading. With more uncertainty in the months ahead, it’s only right to continue this support and avoid long term damage to livelihoods and the economy.

“We’d now urge the government to build on this by reassuring claimants that they won’t see their Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit cut by £20 a week in the spring.”

Notes to editors

  1. Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.

  2. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.

  3. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

  4. Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.

  5. Citizens Advice’s services are free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to all regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  6. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  7. For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 to talk in Welsh.

  8. We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.

  9. Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.