Recent global events have left families facing increasing costs. Rising food, energy and fuel prices are affecting everybody, but hitting low-income families particularly hard.
Many constituents have contacted me to express their concerns about rising bills and I have continued to relay these to my ministerial colleagues. I have always maintained that it is important for the government to continue to listen and ensure that policies are in place to help those most in need.
I therefore welcome the Chancellor’s announcement today of a package of new support measures worth £15 billion. These significant, targeted measures include:
Doubling the Energy Bills Support Scheme to provide every household a one-off grant of £400.
A £650 grant for every household on means-tested benefits.
A one-off payment worth £300 for every pensioner household in receipt of Winter Fuel Payments.
An extra £150 payment for those in receipt of disability benefits.
Oil and gas companies are currently seeing extraordinary profits as a result of global spikes in commodity prices. I agree with the Chancellor that it is right to tax these profits fairly, while ensuring we continue to incentivise investment. I welcome the targeted and temporary Energy Profits Levy, which will raise around £5 billion over the next twelve months.
While it is important to recognise that no government can solve every problem, I do hope that today’s announcement will offer reassurance to constituents and help to ease the pressure on household bills.
