The sanctions surge: Shining a light on the universal credit sanctions regime

Article

As the cost of living crisis rages on, the UK’s social safety net has a critical role to play in protecting people from deepening poverty and destitution.

But a concerning trend has emerged: the rate of universal credit claimants experiencing sanctions has risen rapidly since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This briefing paper seeks to shine a light on the benefit sanctions regime in universal credit by analysing publicly available data from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Related items

  1. A young woman with a long ponytail sits looking out of a bus window

    State of the North 2025 - The kids aren't alright: How to deliver for young people in the North

    This year’s State of the North report highlights how regional inequality exacerbates the growing challenges facing many young northerners. 
  2. An illustration of an ideal public transport system: a smiling family cross a road near a green bus with houses and trees in the background

    The transport challenge for low-income households

    Many people living on low incomes in the UK are limited in their ability to access the building blocks of a good life because of poor transport provision.

  3. Towards universal opportunity for young people

    Outlining a vision for young people which could increase social mobility while also reducing inequality and disadvantage, so that every young person has the opportunity to build a decent life.