David Rutley

MP for Macclesfield

COST of living pressures have been a key concern for local residents I have met in street surgeries and at community events during the summer.

Inflationary pressures following the pandemic have been compounded by global impacts of Russia’s savage attack on Ukraine, particularly in energy markets.

Over recent months, as a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Minister, I have been working hard to help shape, deliver and

communicate the targeted support that is available.

The government has put in place a £37 billion support package to provide help for households.

As a result, millions of low income families on means-tested benefits will get £1,200.

This includes eight million receiving a one-off cost of living payment of £650, with the first instalment of £326 already having been received by DWP customers and the

second half to follow later this year.

Around 6 million disabled people will receive a one-off £150 payment from September 20.

In addition, 8 million pensioners will get an extra £300 through their winter fuel payments in November and December.

The DWP will administer each of these payments and no one needs to contact the government or apply for any of these payments at any stage.

In addition, energy bill payers will receive a £400 cash grant delivered by energy suppliers from October, with payments spread over six months.

It’s good to see more pensioners taking the opportunity to find out if they are eligible for pension credit, which could be worth on average £3,300 a year and can be a passport to wider support, including housing benefit, NHS dental costs and cold weather payments.

Our new Prime

Minister will work hard to deliver on the country’s priorities, including tackling cost of living challenges.

They will have my strong support in taking forward further steps in order to address this vital issue.