More than eight million households on means-tested benefits received their first cost of living payment in July. Almost one in four families across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland got the £326 government payment to help ease the cost of living crisis.
The move was announced by the government earlier this year as part of a support package to help struggling households. It was set out as a package of £650 to be paid in two lump sums.
Those on benefits - including Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit - were eligible for the payment. Read more:DWP reminder to millions of working parents who could get help with up to 85% of childcare cost But in June, inflation rose yet again to new 40-year high of 9.1 per cent.
The cost of raw materials, said analysts, rose to its fastest rate on record, with continuing rises in the cost of foodstuffs and fuel.