Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed a range of measures from Chancellor Rishi Sunak to support people through the cost-of-living crisis.
The Chancellor laid out a package of support worth over £15 billion in the House of Commons today (Thursday), with support for the lowest-income households, pensioners as well as support for every household to deal with rising energy bills.
Among the Chancellor’s measures were a one-off £650 payment for those households on means tested benefits and £300 for pensioners who are in receipt of the winter fuel payments.
Every household in Moray will also receive £400 to deal with energy costs and this will be in the form of a grant and won’t have to be paid back in future.
Douglas Ross says the measures show the Chancellor has recognised the ever-increasing pressures households are facing and the support has been targeted towards the households that need it most.
The UK Government had already announced a five pence fuel duty cut, a £150 council tax rebate and a rise in the thresholds at which people will have to pay National Insurance in March.
He has reiterated that any constituent in Moray who needs help can always contact his constituency office in Forres.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “This cost-of-living crisis is bringing about unprecedented pressures for families and households across Moray and right now they are only increasing.
“The interventions from the Chancellor to deliver a wide-ranging package of support is extremely welcome. These payments have been targeted towards those individuals and households who need it most, especially those on low incomes and our pensioners.
“Given the rise in energy bills, which could hit almost £3,000 later in the year, people in Moray were looking for further help to avoid having to choose between heating or eating. The doubling of the cash grant to £400 is a positive move, as well as ensuring that people won’t have to pay this grant back.
“Global pressures and the significant rise in inflation mean many families are struggling to pay the bills. The total package of support from the Chancellor is worth £15 billion on top of measures previously announced.
“Everyone has a duty to support those finding it tough right now due to the cost-of-living crisis and my constituency office in Moray is always ready to help anyone who feels I can be of assistance.
“Nobody should hesitate to ask for help and I am committed to ensuring the support the Chancellor has announced today makes its way to those who need it as quickly as possible.”