Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined further support from the government to help with the cost of living.
The key announcements were:
- The previously announced £200 loan for energy bills has now been raised to £400 and will not now need to be repaid.
- Two lump sum payments totalling £650 will be paid to 8 million of those on means tested benefits (see list below). The two payments will made from July and in the Autumn.
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- 8 million pensioner households, who receive winter fuel payments, will receive a one-off payment of £300
- 6 million people who receive non-means tested disability benefits will receive a one-off payment of £150
It was also outlined that, subject to review, benefits next year will increase by this year’s CPI.
Local authorities providing support through the household support fund, or discretionary housing payments, will have funding extended by £500m from October.
The Almshouse Association welcomes the additional support at this difficult time. We are, however, disappointed that there has not been any further clarification for members who operate communal heating systems. We intend to write to the Chancellor and other minister to outline our concerns and continue to call for greater support for these members who are already facing an extraordinary rise in the cost of energy.
All information regarding the announcement can be found here.
posted 26 May 22