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12,100 families in Southport will receive £301 from the Conservative Government as the latest round of Cost of Living Payments are sent out to eligible households.The Cost of Living Payments scheme, backed by local MP Damien Moore, means almost one in four families across the UK will receive additional financial support. 12,000 eligible individuals in Southport will also receive the Government’s Disability Cost of Living Payment, worth £150 again this year. The payments are made directly with no need to apply or do anything to receive it.

Over 8 million households across the UK who claimed qualifying means tested benefits during the eligibility period will be automatically paid £301 in their first payment this year. This direct support is part of the Conservative Government’s £94 billion package of cost of living support worth £900 this year for vulnerable households receiving means-tested benefits.

In addition to means-tested cost of living support, the Energy Price Guarantee is continuing to help keep household energy bills as low as possible ensuring the typical family pays no more that £2,500 for their energy bills until the end of June this year. This also comes after the Government has provided the biggest ever cash increase to the state pension, protecting pensioners in Southport from the effects of rising prices due to inflation.

This support will be delivered alongside the Prime Minister’s 5 point plan to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.

Damien Moore, Member of Parliament for Southport, said:- "12,100 families in Southport are eligible for a further means-tested cost of living payment worth £301, with a total of £900 in support for 2023 to 2024. As Households are facing rising living costs in the wake of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, it is only right that the Conservative Government is protecting the most vulnerable people in Southport, with these payments providing much needed support to the families who are most exposed to rising prices. I remain ready to assist any of my constituents who are struggling to access the support they are entitled to.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said:- “This latest additional payment will be welcomed by millions of families; as will further payments due over the next year. We have continually supported those most vulnerable to rising costs, including:- through record benefits and national living wage increases as well as these exceptional Cost of Living Payments responding to the global pressures we are facing. We will also continue to deliver on our 5 priorities, including halving inflation, as this will ease pressure on households currently struggling with household bills and rising prices.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt MP, said:- “The best thing we can do to help people’s money go further is deliver on our priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy. But we’re also here to help people through these tough times, which is why we’re holding down energy bills, freezing fuel duty, increasing Universal Credit, and giving £900 payments to low income and vulnerable families; all in part funded through windfall taxes on energy profits.”