DWP issues 'immediate action' response after calls for Christmas bonus increase

The Department of Work and Pensions has addressed the increasing demands to raise the value of the annual £10 Christmas Bonus given to benefit recipients. Despite the bonus starting to appear in accounts in time for the festive season, there's a consensus among many claimants that the sum is not enough.

The Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free payment made before the festive season to eligible individuals receiving certain benefits during the first full week of December, which means payments should have already begun to reach bank accounts. However, some members of the public have expressed dissatisfaction with the Government's offering, noting that the bonus amount hasn't changed in 52 years since its introduction in 1972.

A petition urging the DWP to increase the bonus has amassed over 23,000 signatures. The petitioner remarked: "It was shocking to learn that the £10 Christmas Bonus, has been the same for over five decades."

They added: "We respectfully ask that our Christmas bonus be raised in line with inflation please, or more. This isn't asking for 'just another handout'. This is for those of us that don't have an option to earn anything extra."

Those who signed the petition have voiced their discontent with the current state of affairs. Karen Prior commented: "The cost of living makes this £10 bonus literally worthless," and Judy Elsmore remarked: "It needs to be increased to match inflation. £10 is not enough, it needs to be more like £100.", reports Birmingham Live.

Dawn Beckley also chimed in, stating: "The amount given is a travesty and an insult." However, despite this, the Government seems unmoved regarding the Christmas bonus amount.

When The Mirror asked about the calls for increased funds, a DWP spokesperson responded: "We are taking immediate action to turn around the dire inheritance we face – with more people living in poverty now than 14 years ago. This includes extending the Household Support Fund for the most vulnerable, kickstarting work to develop a strategy to reduce child poverty and taking the first steps towards delivering a genuine living wage for working people."

Since its inception in 1972, the Christmas bonus has been a consistent offering from successive governments. Yet, while it has persisted, its actual value has not shifted from the original £10. If it had kept pace with inflation, it would currently be around £327.