Local MP Alan Mak has launched an advice guide to help residents better understand the financial help they may be entitled to through the Government’s cost of living support payment schemes.
A paper copy of the guide is being posted to every household in the Havant Constituency.
The Government has introduced a wide range of financial support payments and schemes to help people across the country with cost of living challenges. Mr Mak’s guide is designed to help residents understand and where necessary ensure they receive the right payments and support.
Alan Mak MP has urged families to check what extra support may be available to them.
In the wake of Putin’s war in Ukraine and Covid, gas and oil prices have risen globally. That is why this winter all households are automatically receiving £400 to help with their energy bills through the Energy Bills Support Scheme.
On top of this, from 1 October 2022 the Energy Price Guarantee came into force. Energy bills had been due to rise by £6,500, but because of the Energy Price Guarantee announced by the Government, a typical household will pay no more than £2,500 a year for energy bills over the next two years. This will save a typical household £1,000 a year.
From this autumn, eight million pensioner households who receive the Winter Fuel Payment will also receive an extra, one-off Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of £300. Those who receive Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, could receive £150. A further £650 means tested payment is available to those on low incomes. Councils, including Havant Borough Council, will have access to a discretionary support fund for those struggling to pay their rent due to an unexpected change in circumstances.
The Government has also introduced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. This will fix the wholesale gas and electricity prices from 1st October for UK businesses, charities, schools, hospitals and voluntary organisations.
Alan Mak MP said, “The Government is providing financial support payments to help residents with cost of living challenges, especially pensioners, disabled people and those on low incomes. I’ve created a guide to provide more information, and I urge everyone to check what support they are entitled to.”
Mr Mak added, “I’ve been campaigning in Westminster to ensure the Government provides financial support, so I encourage people across the Havant Constituency to check which payments they may be eligible for.”
Residents can visit Alan’s new dedicated Cost of Living Support webpage on his website to check which payments they may be eligible for: www.AlanMak.org.uk/Support
