Sunak and Johnson agree to extend universal credit boost

The decision is part of a reassertion of Boris Johnson’s authority over Rishi Sunak
The decision is part of a reassertion of Boris Johnson’s authority over Rishi Sunak
SIMON DAWSON/REUTERS

Rishi Sunak is expected to bow to pressure to extend a £20-a-week increase in universal credit for six million people amid mounting tensions between No 10 and No 11.

The Times has been told that the chancellor and the prime minister have agreed in principle to extend the additional payments at a cost of £6 billion.

The move, likely to be announced in the budget next year, comes after Mr Sunak pledged more than £30 billion this week in support for workers.

A government source said that Mr Sunak and Mr Johnson had agreed in principle to extend the boost to universal credit for another year. “The money is there,” the source said.

Treasury sources said that no final decision had been made. “Both the