A growing online petition is calling for a significant increase to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Christmas bonus, arguing that its value should reflect modern economic realities. The annual £10 payment, introduced in 1972, has remained unchanged for over five decades, sparking demands for it to be adjusted in line with inflation.
Petition Demands Inflation-Linked Increase
The petition, titled 'Adjust the £10 DWP Christmas Bonus introduced in 1972 to reflect inflation', has garnered thousands of signatures on the Petitions Parliament website. Founder David Angus Kirkwood contends that, based on calculations using the composite price index from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the bonus should now be worth approximately £171. This figure represents a stark contrast to the current £10 sum, which many view as inadequate in today's cost-of-living climate.
The petition highlights that in the early 1970s, £10 provided meaningful support for heating, food, or Christmas presents, whereas today it barely covers minor expenses. Kirkwood describes the current amount as "insulting," noting it wouldn't buy a round of drinks or quality festive items. The campaign specifically urges that the payment be reserved for British citizens who have been claiming benefits for at least six months, aiming to target those most in need.
Eligibility and Impact on Claimants
The DWP Christmas bonus is a tax-free payment issued to millions receiving the State Pension or qualifying benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Carer's Allowance. To qualify, individuals must be present or ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the first week of December, and receive at least one eligible benefit.
Recent data shows that nearly 24 million people in Great Britain receive at least one benefit, with around 15 million paid the £10 bonus, resulting in a government expenditure of £150 million. However, not all claimants benefit; for instance, approximately 8.3 million people on Universal Credit do not qualify, and those over State Pension age without a claim or other qualifying benefits are also excluded.
Government Response and Next Steps
Upon reaching 10,000 signatures, the petition will warrant a written response from the UK Government, putting pressure on policymakers to reconsider the bonus's value. This comes amid broader discussions about benefit adequacy and support for vulnerable households during the festive season.
The list of qualifying benefits includes:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Industrial Death Benefit
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)
- State Pension
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
- War Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
As the petition gains momentum, it underscores ongoing concerns about the real-terms erosion of support payments and the need for benefits to keep pace with rising living costs, particularly for those relying on state assistance.
