Luke at the Citizens Advice drop in
Luke at the Citizens Advice drop in

The cost of living crisis is the biggest issue facing our country. With food prices increasing, heating bills going up and taxes rising, I know this is a very difficult time for many families in Plymouth and up and down the country.

I understand your concerns. I do not believe the Government’s actions come close to meeting the challenge this emergency represents. It has provided no effective cost-of-living plan, no effective plan for growth and no plan for rights at work.

If you are struggling to keep up with rising costs, angry about the lack of support, or are confused about what measures are available to you: You are not alone.

TSB’s latest Money Confidence Barometer for South West England found that:

  • 54% of people are worried about rising fuel and energy costs.
  • 49% have taken money out of their savings have done so to cover the increased cost of living.
  • 44% said they have reduced household spending in the last six months to manage the cost-of-living.
  • 20% are worried about paying for household groceries.
  • 20% have taken out new or additional debt.

If you do need help with the cost of living crisis, I have set up this page to signpost advice from some fantastic organisations like Plymouth Online Directory, Citizens Advice and Money Saving Expert on what support is available to you.

Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024

The second cost of living payments of 2023 will start to arrive into the accounts of eligible people between 31 October and 19 November, when you will receive £300. The third payment of £299 will be paid by Spring 2024.

The payment will be made to people on these means-tested benefits:

  • Universal Credit;
  • Pension Credit;
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA);
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA);
  • Income Support, and
  • tax credits: Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. 

People need to have been entitled to payment during the qualifying period 18 August to 17 September or a payment for an assessment period ending within the qualifying period

The Government say that the cost of Living Payment will be paid automatically, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or contact DWP or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).  

If you have not received your Cost of Living payment by the 19th November you can report it directly to the DWP using this form. If you have difficulty with this, please contact my team and they may be able to help.

Help for Households

There are a range of schemes available to help if you are struggling with the cost of living crisis. You can find out more about these schemes, such as support with childcare costs or help with travel costs, on the Gov.uk website

I am here to help, and so please get in touch with me if there is anything that I can assist with. You can call the Plymouth office on 01752 717255 or email me at luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk

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