Reacting to today’s statement from the Chancellor, Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance said: “Government should be about making sure everyone can live a dignified life, and finding the courage and compassion to tackle poverty and inequality.
“We’re pleased that the Chancellor has finally listened to calls for a windfall tax on energy companies to help people who are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills. It’s good that there is extra help being put in place for the poorest and most vulnerable households.
“The £650 grant going into the pockets of those on the lowest incomes, and the additional £150 for those who are also disabled, is support that is urgently needed. Together with the £400 energy bill deduction for all households, this will provide safety net for those most impacted by the rising cost of living.
“The Chancellor accepted that today’s support will not fully mitigate the rising cost of living. Some groups – larger families, those who become unemployed in the coming months – will need additional support. We would encourage the Chancellor to keep his plans under constant review.
“The announcements made today are long overdue and underline the importance of a decent social security system in helping keep people afloat. The UK Government must ensure these commitments represent the start of a reinvestment in social security and begin the process of undoing more than a decade of cuts that have plunged thousands into poverty.”
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