8,500 families in Central Devon to receive ‘cost of living payments’ soon

Eight million households in the UK will begin receiving the first of two cost of living instalments totalling £650 in around three weeks’ time.

From 14th July, 2022, the poorest 25% of UK families will receive £326, with a second instalment of £324 to be sent to eligible low-income households from the autumn.

The payments are deliberately slightly unequal to minimise fraud risks.

A separate £300 payment will be made to pensioners and a £150 payment will be paid to eligible disabled people. This will be on top of the £650 and in addition to the £400 given to all households to help with energy bills and the extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D. When combined, millions of the lowest-income households will receive at least £1,200 in support this year.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride, who chairs the influential House of Commons Treasury Select Committee, said:

“Families are facing unprecedented pressures on their finances, largely driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has pushed up the price of fuel, energy and food. Low-income households have been hit the hardest and the Government has committed £37 billion to help with these rising costs, with much of this targeted to help those on the lowest incomes. All families in Central Devon will benefit from £400 towards their energy bills and around one in four, about 8,500, will receive up to £800 more.”