The cost of living is rising, and we can all see the impact it is having on our weekly and monthly bills. It’s a global issue, with inflationary pressures being caused by the world economy coming back to life after being subdued by the coronavirus pandemic for much of the last two years.
However, no matter what the cause, the result is a severe hit on everyone who needs to heat a home, provide food for their families, and travel by car or train.
There’s a limited number of things the Government can do to deal with these global problems, but steps are being taken to support families. Just over nineteen thousand households with Council Tax Bands A-D in Brentwood set to receive a £150 non-repayable cash rebate on their council tax bills.
Meanwhile, all households will receive a 200 ‘smoothing’ rebate on energy bills to be paid back over the next five years at £40 per year – starting from April 2023
Other measures include reducing the Universal Credit taper rate, increasing the National Living Wage, freezing fuel duty for the twelfth year in a row, and launching a £500 million Household Support Fund to help the lowest-income households with their bills. The Warm Homes Discount is also being increased and eligibility for the scheme will be extended by one-third to 3 million vulnerable households.
I’m very pleased these plans will deliver support to more people and a faster pace, giving families the support they need now.
You may also wish to consider shopping around for a better deal on energy prices. Comparison sites provide useful information on which providers can give customers the best deal and, as a result, changing energy provider could well save you money on your energy bills. Talk to your friends and neighbours too for recommendations – at times like this you do not want to being paying more than you need.
