Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with stakeholders on the potential merits of extending the Cost of Living Payment to people on contribution-based Employment Support Allowance who were exempt from the 365 day time limit due to being placed on the support group.

There have been no discussions with stakeholders in respect of the 2022/23 Cost of Living Payments for people on contribution-based Employment Support Allowance. The Cost of Living Payment is targeted at low income households who are in receipt of a means-tested income replacement benefit. Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance is a non means tested benefit and therefore does not qualify for the Cost of Living Payment.

Low income households may be entitled to Universal Credit and Contribution, based benefits at the same time, and therefore will be entitled to a Cost of Living Payment.

We will be bringing forward legislation for the 2023/24 Cost of Living Payments in due course.