8 million households in the UK will begin receiving the first of two cost of living instalments totalling £650 in around 3 weeks’ time. From 14 July 2022, the quarter of UK families on the lowest incomes will receive £326, with a second instalment of £324 to be sent to eligible low income households from the autumn. The payments are deliberately slightly unequal to minimise fraud risks.
A separate £300 payment will be made to pensioners and a £150 payment will be paid to eligible disabled people. This will be on top of the £650 and in addition to the £400 given to all households to help with energy bills and the extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D. When combined, millions of the lowest-income households will receive at least £1,200 in support this year.
Central Devon MP Mel Stride, who chairs the influential House of Commons Treasury Select Committee, said:
“Families are facing unprecedented pressures on their finances, largely driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has pushed up the price of fuel, energy and food. Low income households have been hit the hardest and the Government has committed £37 billion to help with these rising costs, with much of this targeted to help those on the lowest incomes. All families in Central Devon will benefit from £400 towards their energy bills and around 1 in 4 – about 8,500 – will receive up to £800 more.”
Watch: Mel Stride MP recently speaking about cost of living support in the House of Commons.
