Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in the cost of living on (a) women, (b) Black, Asian and ethnic minority people and (c) people with disabilities.

The Government understands the pressures people across all communities are facing with the cost of living and is taking action to help. Overall, we are providing total support of over £94bn over 2022/23 and 2023/24 to help households and individuals with the rising cost of bills.

For people who require additional support, in England, the Household Support Fund will continue until March 2024. This year long extension allows Local Authorities in England to continue to provide discretionary support to those most in need with the significantly rising cost of living. Local Authorities are expected to support households in the most need, and in particular those who may not be eligible for the other support Government recently made available but are nevertheless in need of support.