• The Government are supporting people across the UK in the face of rising prices caused by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine while working to halve inflation this year.
• That is why 8 million eligible people in receipt of means-tested benefits will receive a Cost of Living Payment worth £301 from 25th April 2023 followed by two further payments so vulnerable families will receive payments worth £900 this year.
• These payments are part of the Government’s work to support people with the cost of living alongside the Prime Minister’s five-point plan to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.

Henry Smith MP has welcomed that almost one in four families across the UK will receive £301 from the Government as the latest Cost of Living Payments begin to be sent out, including 13,600 families in Crawley.

9,200 eligible individuals in Crawley will also receive the Government’s Disability Cost of Living Payment worth £150 again this year.

Over 8 million households across the UK who claimed qualifying means-tested benefits during the eligibility period will be automatically paid £301 in their first payment this year. This direct support is part of the Government’s £94 billion package of cost of living support worth £900 this year for vulnerable households receiving means-tested benefits.

The payments are made directly with no need to apply or do anything to receive it.

Henry said;

“Households are facing rising living costs in the wake of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the Government is rightly protecting the most vulnerable people in Crawley.

“Some 13,600 families in Crawley are eligible for a further means-tested cost of living payment worth £301, and £900 in total for 2023-4.

“These payments will give families much needed support, protecting vulnerable people who are most exposed to rising prices.”

In addition to means-tested cost of living support, the Energy Price Guarantee is continuing to help keep household energy bills as low as possible – ensuring the typical family pays no more that £2,500 for their energy bills until the end of June this year.

This support will be delivered alongside the Prime Minister’s five-point plan to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.

The Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, Mel Stride, commented;

“This latest additional payment will be welcomed by millions of families – as will further payments due over the next year.

“We have continually supported those most vulnerable to rising costs, including through record benefits and national living wage increases as well as these exceptional Cost of Living Payments responding to the global pressures we are facing.

“We will also continue to deliver on our five priorities, including halving inflation, as this will ease pressure on households currently struggling with household bills and rising prices.”

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, added;

“The best thing we can do to help people’s money go further is deliver on our priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy.

“But we’re also here to help people through these tough times, which is why we’re holding down energy bills, freezing fuel duty, increasing Universal Credit, and giving £900 payments to low income and vulnerable families - all in part funded through windfall taxes on energy profits.”