Please be assured the Government is fully committed to enabling older people to live with the dignity and respect they deserve and have earned. While I appreciate that the rising cost of living has presented considerable challenges to older people, I am confident that the Government is providing substantial support to the most vulnerable.
To support households, over 2022-23 to 2024-25 the Government will provide cost of living support worth over £104 billion with the Government providing targeted support to the most vulnerable through Cost of Living Payments, which will be paid to 8 million households on eligible means-tested-benefits, 8 million pensioner households and 6 million people on eligible disability benefits.
In April 2023, the Government supported pensioners with the biggest State Pension uprating in history, with increases of 10.1 per cent for the basic State Pension, the new State Pension and additional State Pensions. As a result, the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension will be over £3,050 higher, in cash terms, than in 2010. In April 2024, the basic State Pension, new State Pension and additional State Pension will be uprated again in line with average earnings growth of 8.5 per cent.
Moreover, the Government has also provided an additional £1 billion of funding to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund, bringing the total funding to £2.5 billion. This extension allows local authorities in England to continue to provide discretionary support to vulnerable older people. I welcome that, since its launch in October 2021, the HSF has issued early 26 million awards to those in need of support, including pensioners, with the cost of energy bills, food, and other related essentials.
In response to the rise in wholesale gas and electricity prices, the Government is maintaining the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG), which limits the amount consumers can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. The current price guarantee, set at £3,000, will support households until April 2024. The Government will continue to provide Winter Fuel Payments to those who have reached State Pension age and this stands alongside the many other benefits provided to pensioners, including free bus passes, free prescriptions and Cold Weather Payments for those in receipt of Pension Credit.
Regarding an Energy Social Tariff, the Government is currently working with consumer groups and industry to consider the best approach to consumer protection in energy markets, as part of wider retail market reforms. I understand that a variety of options, including social tariffs, are under consideration. As set out in the Energy Security Strategy, the Government will continue to ensure that energy is affordable for all consumers.
Whether you’re looking for support with energy bills, food, or living essentials, the Mid Sussex District Council cost of living information hub can help you access the right support. You can access it via this link: Cost of Living Support - Mid Sussex District Council
You can also get a range of additional benefits if you're over State Pension age and you have an illness or disability. The extra money can help with the cost of your care. You can find out more here:
Benefits if you're over State Pension age - Social care and support guide - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
