PETITIONOpenPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Adjust the £10 DWP Christmas Bonus introduced in 1972 to reflect inflation
Adjust the Christmas Bonus given to benefit claimants, from £10 - when it was introduced in 1972 - to reflect inflation (approx £180 in 2025). Make the uplift only available for British citizens, who have been claiming benefits for a minimum of 6 months.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
5,095
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 5,095/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 5,095/100,000
Background
In the early 1970s, £10 was a valuable uplift for those without income, to help with the increased costs associated with Christmas time. It would have helped towards paying for heating and electricity, food and drinks or Christmas presents for kids. It would have been the equivalent of approximately £180 today adjusted for inflation. £10 today won't even buy a round of drinks, wouldn't pay for a quality Christmas pudding or buy a box of decent Christmas Crackers. £10 quite frankly is insulting.