South Shropshire MP, Philip Dunne has welcomed that almost one in four families across the UK will receive £324 this month as the latest Cost of Living Payments begin to be sent out today, including 7,700 families across the Ludlow Constituency.

Over eight million households in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who claimed qualifying means-tested benefits during the eligibility period will be automatically paid £324 this month. This direct support is part of the Conservative Government’s £37 billion package of cost of living support, including up to £1,200 worth of direct help for vulnerable households.

In addition to means-tested cost of living support, the Energy Price Guarantee will help to keep household energy bills as low as possible. The £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme will also help every household with the cost of energy this winter.

The payments, starting today from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), are made directly, with no need to apply to receive it.

Commenting, Dunne said:

“Households are facing rising living costs in the wake of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and it is right that vulnerable households across the UK and in South Shropshire are supported.

“I welcome the news that 7,700 local families are eligible for their second means-tested cost of living payment worth £324 this month.

“These payments will give families much needed support as we approach winter and protect the most vulnerable in the face of rising prices.”