Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing additional financial support for people receiving benefits before benefit rates are increased in June 2023.

All benefits and State Pensions will be increased by 10.1% from April.

In addition, we are providing cost of living payments of up to £900 for households on eligible means-tested benefits, paid in three separate payments of £301, £300 and £299 across 2023/24. The first payment of £301 will be paid to the majority of those eligible between 25 April and 17 May. Separately, people on qualifying disability benefits will receive a separate Disability Cost of Living Payment of £150 in the summer while £300 payments will be made to pensioner households alongside the annual Winter Fuel Payment.

As announced in the Spring Statement, the government is maintaining the Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 until the end of June. This will ensure that households across the UK are supported through the spring while retail energy costs are expected to remain high.

To help households with the costs of essentials, including those who may not be eligible for cost of living payments, we are also extending the Household Support Fund in England. The Devolved Administrations will receive Barnett funding to spend at their discretion and with their local knowledge.