Thousands of pensioners set to recieve £200 boost | Personal Finance | Finance
Thousands of households across the UK are set to receive a £200 cost-of-living bonus, courtesy of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which unveiled new funds for local authorities and councils in England.
The DWP initiative, now extended by the Labour Party Government, could mean that residents in Hull are in line for payments of up to £200.
With the allocation, pensioners can get a £200 boost, and low-income families may benefit from a £40 school uniform grant, along with food vouchers during school holidays for those entitled to free school meals.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, commented: “We know that people are continuing to be severely impacted by the ongoing increases in the cost of living. As a Council, we’re using this funding to help vulnerable residents afford the essentials.”
He added: “No-one should have to make the choice between heating or eating when we get to the colder months, so we’ve allocated this money now to make sure we have the right things in place for the next year.”
Whilst Hull City Council is yet to open applications for these payments, announcements are expected on the council’s website. This news comes as Sir Keir Starmer‘s Labour Party Government contemplates reversing the contentious winter fuel payment cuts.
One pensioner said: “To U-turn any policy without some acknowledgement of it being a dreadful mistake will probably lead to even more anger and deeper distrust. We are not only losing voters but party activists as well. Members are resigning because of their disagreement with government policies on a range of issues.”
In a letter to the Guardian, they wrote: “We need more than a U-turn. Instead, a complete reset is required, but I’m not holding my breath.
“I doubt that the current leadership is capable of doing anything without being forced into it, and if they do, that will enable the cheerleaders for Reform to make cynical political capital of the situation we find ourselves in.”
Another said: “Starmer and Rachel Reeves will never be forgiven for this. Their reputation is now indelibly damaged, and quite rightly so. Ruthlessly targeting the poorest, most vulnerable members of society was indefensible.”
