Turn2us responds to the Chancellor's cost of living support package

Michael Clarke, Head of Information Programmes at Turn2us, says:

“Today’s cost of living support package is a much-needed step in the right direction in making sure people on the lowest incomes are able to weather this financial crisis. We welcome efforts by the Chancellor in making ‘significant and targeted’ measures to reduce energy bills and to boost the incomes of people on benefits, recognising the failure of rates to keep up with inflation.

“However, the scale of the cost of living crisis must not be underestimated. We know the impact will be far-reaching and long-lasting. For people who are in crisis currently, one-off payments will only act as a sticking plaster until longer term investment is made to boost their overall income. A key reason people have been struggling to stay afloat is because benefits have failed to keep up with the cost of living for years. The package of support announced today goes part way  to rectifying this, but more must be done in the longer term to ensure everyone can afford the basics and not be reliant on one-off acts of generosity from the Chancellor.”