Supporting North Cornwall's families with the cost of living is my number one priority. This government has taken swift action to deal with the crisis, and although many of the issues causing price rises are due to issues outside of our control, we are doing everything we can to help. The first instalment of the £650 for qualifying low-income households in North Cornwall will land in bank accounts from 14 July 2022, continuing to the end of the month. The move will mean qualifying households initially £326 better off as the government delivers significant interventions to support groups who are most vulnerable to rising costs. In total, thousands of households in North Cornwall will receive at least £1,200 from the government this year to help cover rising costs.
The second instalment of £324 will be sent to qualifying low-income households in the Autumn. The eligibility date for the second instalment will be announced soon. Low-income households in North Cornwall are benefiting from government support in a variety of different ways this year as global inflationary pressures, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, have caused prices to rise for several essentials. The government understands that many people are worried about the impact these rising prices will have on their household finances, which is why £37 billion of support is being provided to boost budgets and mitigate the worst of these pressures.
Support also includes a separate £300 payment for pensioners, and a £150 payment for disabled people, which can be paid on top of the £650 payment. This is on top of £400 for all households to help with energy bills, and an extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D, meaning the lowest-income households will receive at least £1,200 in support this year. This is all in addition to changes to the Universal Credit taper rate and work allowances worth £1,000 a year on average for 1.7 million working claimants, a rise in the National Living Wage to £9.50 an hour, and a tax cut for around 30 million workers through a rise in National Insurance contribution thresholds.
The government has also expanded support for the Household Support Fund – which helps people with food and energy bills – with an extra £421 million, on top of £79 million for devolved nations; the total value of this support now stands at £1.5 billion. Fuel duty was also cut by 5p per litre for 12 months in March 2022, and alcohol duty has been frozen for 2022/23.
If you are having difficulties and need support, then do not hesitate to get in touch with my office.
