Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has responded to the latest claimant count figures for the Skipton and Ripon parliamentary constituency released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figures show that in September 2024, the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in the constituency remains significantly below the national average, despite a modest rise over the past year.
In Skipton and Ripon constituency, 1,100 people were claiming unemployment-related benefits in September, representing 2.0% of the population aged 16-64. This compares favourably with the UK-wide claimant rate of 3.9%. The figures also show that there were 180 claimants aged 18-24 in the constituency.
While the claimant count for the Skipton and Ripon constituency has increased by 225 over the past year, and by 30 among younger claimants, the rise may be partly attributed to changes in the Universal Credit criteria introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions in May 2024.
These changes, which broaden the eligibility for Universal Credit, are expected to temporarily increase the claimant count over a six-month period, according to the ONS.
Commenting on the figures, Julian said, “The latest claimant count figures show that our local unemployment-related benefit claims remain well below the national average, which is positive news for our area. However, the rise in claimants over the past year reflects the challenges many people are facing, particularly young people seeking work.
"While the changes to Universal Credit may have contributed to this increase, it remains a priority to support constituents in accessing jobs and training opportunities. I will continue to work closely with local employers, training providers and the Government to ensure that everyone has the support they need to get into work and achieve their potential.”
The data also highlights that the claimant count fell slightly in September, with 10 fewer people claiming benefits compared to the previous month, though the number of younger claimants increased by 10 in the same period.
