Julian has welcomed the news that 7,000 households across Skipton and Ripon will now start receiving an additional £300 payment to relieve cost of living pressures.
Part of the Government’s £94 billion cost of living support package to help vulnerable and low-income families across the country, over eight million households will now receive this second payment, and total household support will reach £900 through 2023-2024.
The payments will be targeted towards those households most in need, meaning only those in receipt of eligible means-tested benefits, such as Universal credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits, will benefit from the second round of payments.
This latest payment builds on those made last year, worth up to £1,200, and form part of the Government’s record financial support for the most vulnerable, worth an average of £3,300 per household.
As an automatic payment, households will not need to apply, and it will not count towards the benefit cap or impact on existing benefit awards. Further support will also be made available later this winter, with Winter Fuel Payments boosted again this year by an additional £300 Pensioner Cost of Living payment.
In addition, nearly three million low-income households are eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills through the Warm Home Discount, and the Cold Weather Payment has come into effect, providing eligible households an extra £25 a week when the temperature drops below zero degrees for more than seven days.
Julian Smith said, “It’s important that the Government strikes the right balance between continuing to drive down inflation and ensuring that the most vulnerable households are supported during the acute winter pressures.
“This second payment, directed only to households in receipt of eligible means-tested benefits, is the right way to strike this balance.
“Putin’s barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine, against the backdrop of the pandemic, has driven up inflation and energy costs, and hit hardworking households. I’m really pleased the Government is taking sensible, pragmatic steps to ensure those hit hardest are given the necessary support.”
