The UK is currently amid a cost-of-living crisis. Everyday costs, including for energy, food, water, fuel, council tax and more have risen significantly.
These cost-of-living pressures are impacting everybody across the country and having spoken to many constituents, local businesses and dealt with a number of casework enquires, I know that many people in Stroud are struggling.
From 1st October 2022, the Government is implementing a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ meaning that a typical UK household will pay no more than £2,500 per year on their energy bill for the next two years. This will save the average household at least £1,000 per year based on current energy prices (as of October 2022) and is in addition to the £400 energy bills discount for all households. Equivalent support will be offered to businesses and non-domestic properties for a period of 6 months which will then be followed by targeted support for the most vulnerable industries.
To further assist with the rising cost of living, the government has committed to providing over £37 billion of support this year which is largely targeted at those most in need. As part of the support package announced, almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households will get £1,200 of one-off support this year, there will be a £650 one-off Cost of Living Payment for those on means tested benefits, a one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment and a £500m increase and extension of Household Support Fund.
As your local MP, I am doing everything I can to help assist during this difficult period. Below I have compiled a list of key points of contact to assist you during this time. As ever, I remain on hand to help with any specific enquiries so please do email siobhan.baillie.mp@parliament.uk.
