On Wednesday, the £20-per-week uplift to Universal Credit that was introduced at the start of the coronavirus pandemic ended, leaving recipients £1,040 worse off per year.

The uplift has been a lifeline to many and there are fears that families will be forced into poverty as they see incomes drastically reduced; a situation that will now be made worse with the recent rise in energy prices.

Councillors and local charities have spoken out against it with some already seeing the fallout from the decision, however, the uplift was only ever supposed to be a temporary measure to help those most in need during the pandemic.

We asked people in East Lancashire what they thought about the situation, and whether it would affect them in the long run.

Gavin Pilling said: "It will be going back to what they previously got before Covid.

"It was only a temporary increase meaning it was always going back.

"Household bills have gone up for everyone; the universal credit should go up at same rate as inflation just like minimum wages.

"Oh and not forgetting the heroes of last year NHS staff who have been refused a pay rise.

"The devastating effect on family life started when the parents decided not to work."

While Lee Holding said: "With the increase in the cost of living, it would make sense to keep the increase in Universal Credit.

"Out of the 6million+ that claim UC, only 350,000ish people have claimed for over a year.

"The idea that there's an army of skivers out there is a myth perpetuated by the right wing press.

"It's worth remembering that about 40 per cent of claimants are already in work and about 70 per cent find a job in the first nine months."

Ruth Dale commented: "It was a temporary increase due to Covid and furlough but with people losing their jobs and household bills on the rise it will be missed by many who have been using it to cover these losses."

And Alexandra Connell said: "I feel for the kids this winter as many hard working families are going to have to find extra for the increase in not only food, but heating, and cooking the meals.

"These families will have seen a £20 cut but there’s been a increase in tax and the national insurance we pay.

"People tell people they have never met to just go out and get a job after losing their jobs to Covid etc, but it’s not that simple.

"College students can’t get apprenticeships etc, retail shops are closing, family businesses are gone etc, this country is heading for a poverty crisis even deeper than it thought.

"It’s not just about a benefit payment but a bigger picture."

While Ryan Anderson said: "Forty per cent of people on Universal Credit have a job, food bank use is at a record high, energy prices on the rise, food shortages will lead to a household shop hike.

"Meanwhile MPs on 82k a year get expenses and a £25 daily food allowance, and complain it's not enough and ask for more, as well as Boris who lives in 10 Downing Street rent free, £150k salary, expenses and all, subsidised by us, the taxpayer.

"I'd rather pay tax towards a £20 extra UC payment than subsidising meals and expenses for MPs."