Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to introduce targeted cost of living support for people who do not qualify for any form of benefit but are under state pension age.

This question was answered on 17th October 2022

The government understands that people across the UK are worried about the rising cost of living, and has taken decisive action to get households and businesses through this Winter and the next, while ensuring action in a fiscally responsible way.

The government has already announced £37 billion of support for this financial year. This includes one-off Cost of Living Payments for millions of the most vulnerable households – including low-income households eligible for means-tested benefits, people with a disability, and pensioners.

However, all households have been feeling the pressure of rising energy prices and it is right that the government steps in to help everyone. That is why the government has announced the Energy Price Guarantee, which means that a typical UK household will have to pay bills equivalent to no more than £2500 a year on their energy bills this winter.This comes in addition to the £400 discount already announced through the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

For households that are not eligible for one-off Cost of Living Payments or for families that need additional support, the government has provided £1.5 billion total funding towards the cost of essentials, including a further six-month extension to the Household Support Fund from October 2022 to March 2023. The fund is distributed by Local Authorities in England through small payments to support vulnerable households to meet daily needs such as food, clothing, and utilities.