Measures to tackle soaring energy prices, including an energy bill discount of £400 for all UK households this October, have been announced by the Chancellor.
Eight million vulnerable households will also receive at least £1,200 of extra support, to be partly offset by a 25 per cent windfall tax on oil and gas firms’ profits. Rishi Sunak also announced a £500 million increase for the Household Support Fund in England, extending it from October until March 2023.
LGA Chairman Cllr James Jamieson said the extra support to mitigate the impact of rising energy bills and funding for those on the lowest incomes will help ease the pressure on household budgets.
He added: “We are pleased the Chancellor has acted on calls by the LGA, councils and partners to increase and extend the Household Support Fund to the end of this financial year.
“These measures must be accompanied by a longer-term solution to addressing wider cost-of-living pressures, which are not going to end any time soon, and reducing the need for further emergency support.
“Councils and local partners will continue to do what they can to protect those on the lowest incomes against higher costs for food, transport and other essentials, and target help to those facing the most complex challenges.
“To reduce the need for short-term crisis support, there needs to be a consensus on how we move forward and build resilience through our wider welfare system, which includes not just benefits, but also employment support, housing, health and financial inclusion.”