The Government is to introduce extra cost-of-living payments for the “most vulnerable”, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed during his Autumn Statement on Thursday (November 17). Households will pay more in energy bills from April next year, with typical bills rising from £2,500 to £3,000 as the Government reduces the level of support.
But extra payments are also coming: £900 for those on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioner households and £150 for those on disability benefits. On Government help with energy bills for the most vulnerable, the Chancellor told MPs: “At the same time, for the most vulnerable we will introduce additional cost-of-living payments next year, of £900 to households on means-tested benefits; £300 to pensioner households; and £150 for individuals on disability benefit.
“We will also provide an additional £1billion of funding to enable a further 12-month extension to the Household Support Fund, helping local authorities to assist those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. And for those households who use alternative fuels such as heating oil and LPG to heat their homes, I am today doubling the amount of support from £100 to £200, which will be delivered as soon as possible this winter.
