BARNSLEY’S worst-off residents will receive up to £1,350 due to the cost-of-living crisis, it was announced this week.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced more detail on the payment schedule for the next round of support - unveiled in the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement - building on payments made last year.
In the spring, eligible residents will receive their first cost-of-living payment - totalling £301 - which also follow in £300 and £299 form in the autumn and spring 2024.
A disability payment of £150 will make its way to people in the summer, while a £300 sum will go to pensioners in the winter months.
Exact payment windows will be announced closer to the time, but are spread across a longer period to ensure a consistent support offering throughout the year, according to the government.
Mr Hunt said: “I know these are tough times for families across the UK who are struggling to meet rising food and energy costs, driven by the aftershocks of Covid and the war in Ukraine.
“That’s why we’re putting a minimum of £900 into the pockets of low-income households next year.
“These payments are on top of above inflation increases to working-age benefits and the energy price guarantee, which is insulating people from even higher global gas prices.
“Tackling inflation is this government’s number one priority and is the only way to ease the strain of high prices, drive long-term economic growth and improve living standards for everyone.”
Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: “Tackling poverty and addressing the related inequalities is not new for us as a council; however, the scale of the current crisis is extraordinary./ /
“We have a borough-wide commitment with our partners to support people and businesses through this period of uncertainty and to continue to provide help to people who need it most.
“We’ve really seen Barnsley pull together over the last two years, and we hope that this will continue.
“As a council, we have our own financial challenges with increases in fuel bills, goods and services.
“We know people need support, but the council hasn’t got the money to fund all the things that people need.
“What we can do is can maximise the impact of the help we can provide, helping you get the financial support, information and advice and supporting community initiatives into action. ( “That’s why we’re making sure that the funding made available from the government is getting to you, as well as looking at how we can use our own resources to support people.”(
