New figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) this week show that Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation reached 10.1% in September, compared with 9.9% in August. The figure remains well above the UK Government’s target of 2%, however, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt would not confirm if benefits will go up by that figure next April.
Millions of households face a challenging winter ahead as gas and electricity bills continue to soar with changes to the UK Government’s £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee now meaning that the support will end in April. Early forecasts indicate that the energy price cap will rise to £4,350 from April until Jul, however, the £400 rebate will remain in effect.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has also confirmed that there are no plans to provide additional targeted support for people claiming disability benefits, in response to a question from SNP MP, Martyn Day, about the ongoing cost of living crisis and soaring inflation.
DWP Minister, Claire Coutinho, said: “The government understands the pressures people are facing with the cost of living and has taken decisive action to support people with their energy bills.
“The Energy Price Guarantee is supporting millions of households with rising energy costs, and the Chancellor made clear it will continue to do so from now until April next year.
“In addition, the Government will provide a £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households provided through the Energy Bills Support Scheme.
“We know disabled people may face a wide range of additional costs and that is why we have made a further £150 cost of living payment to people who receive qualifying disability benefits.”
Ms Coutinho highlighted that the £150 payment - made in September to six million people - was being paid to those who also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit.
She said: “This £150 can be paid on top of the £650 in cost of living payments (paid in two separate payments of £326 and £324) to low-income households on a qualifying means-tested benefit and a one-off payment of £300 alongside the Winter Fuel Payment from November to pensioner households.”
The second cost of living payment of £324 will be made to people claiming means-tested benefits between November 8 and 23.
For those only claiming Working Tax Credits or Child Tax Credits, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that payments will be made between November 23 and 30.
Winter Fuel Payments, of up to £600 as they include the £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment will arrive between November 14 and January 13, 2023.
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