Thank you for contacting me about reducing poverty and the Big Issues’ campaign.
I am committed to reducing poverty and supporting low-income families.
In recognition of the exceptional circumstances of the last two years, action was taken to provide relief for those who need it most. Annual statistics on incomes and living standards show that the previous Government’s cost of living support prevented 1.3 million people from falling into absolute poverty after housing costs in 2022-23. That includes 300,000 children, 600,000 working-age adults and 400,000 pensioners.
Over 2022-23 and 2023-24, the former Government provided an unprecedented Cost of Living support package worth £96 billion, which included £20 billion for two rounds of Cost of Living Payments for over eight million households on eligible means-tested benefits, over six million people on eligible disability benefits, and over eight million pensioner households. Moreover, it also supported the lowest paid with a 9.8 per cent rise in the National Living Wage to £11.44 per hour.
I also welcomed that, under the last Government, in April 2024, working age benefits increased by 6.7 per cent and, Local Housing Allowance rates were raised to the 30th percentile of local market rents, benefiting 1.6 million low-income households.
I will continue to press the Government to support those in need and build on these extensive support packages.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
