If the Spring Statement could be characterised as an under-reaction to the cost of living crisis, it would be hard to accuse the Chancellor of making the same mistake twice. Rishi Sunak’s £21 billion package, paid for in part by a windfall tax on oil and gas giants, will help millions of people struggling to stay afloat due to soaring energy costs.
The measures include not only £400 for every household, but further targeted support for those most in need, something the Standard has consistently called for. To that end, eight million households on Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive an additional £650 one-off payment, with more help for low-income pensioners and those in receipt of disability benefits.
