More residents in Watford have claimed Universal Credit over the pandemic than the national average.

Citizens Advice Watford says it has helped 880 people with Universal Credit since March last year, with the number of people within Watford's parliamentary constituency claiming payments rising by 127 per cent since the pandemic began.

This compares to a rise of 96 per cent rise nationally.

Figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions show 39 per cent of 11.4 millions claims since Universal Credit was introduced in 2013 were made between March 13 last year and January 14.

Organisations and charities across England are urging the Government to extend the £20-per-week increase to Universal Credit, which is due to end in March, warning that many families will be forced to rely on food banks or into debt without it.

For households in the east of England, the loss of £20 a week is equivalent to more than six days of energy costs.

Citizens Advice say this cut would have a "devastating impact" in Watford.

Catherine Markowski, advice services manager of Citizens Advice Watford, said: "We support people every day whose lives have been turned upside down by this pandemic. For many of them, Universal Credit is the lifeline that has helped pay the bills and put food on the table.

"But households across Watford now face the devastating prospect of a £20 a week cut to their benefits in just a few short months.

"With a tough outlook in the jobs market, we’re urging the government to continue doing the right thing and maintain the Universal Credit uplift."

Government minister for welfare delivery, Will Quince, said: "Universal Credit continues to support millions of people during their time of need.

"It is a vital safety net that has stood up to the challenge of the pandemic, and with thousands of new work coaches we are helping claimants across the country get back on their feet with one-to-one tailored support.

"Universal Credit is one of the pillars of our support for families with lower incomes.

"Alongside it, our Covid Winter Grant Scheme is keeping vulnerable children warm and well-fed, and our Plan for Jobs is helping people back on their feet and into work, with nearly two million people being supported through innovative programmes such as Kickstart and the Job Entry Targeted Support scheme."