West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed confirmation that the Government will extend the support being offered to low-income families to help with higher household bills into next year.

The Household Support Fund was set up to help vulnerable people and those on lower incomes who are struggling to meet payments. It is managed by South Worcestershire Citizens Advice and allows the charity to make discretionary payments to help those who need urgent support.

The latest award - which is made to Worcestershire County Council - is worth over £8 million and means that nearly £20 million in total has been handed out to county people in the last two years.

The Household Support Fund is one part of a £26 billion support package, which includes payments of £900 for millions of people on benefits and additional cash support for disabled people and pensioners, whilst every household received £400 off their energy bills and will continue to save money thanks to our Energy Price Guarantee.

Harriett commented:

“I recently met with the local Citizens Advice team who is doing a great job making sure vulnerable people and lower income households have extra support to cope with rising prices.

“The Government has taken extraordinary steps to help people with their rising bills since the tyrant Putin invaded Ukraine and then weaponised the global gas supply.

“Prices are still rising although I have been keen to see immediate action to bring inflation under control which affects lower income families the most.

“I am hopeful that the economic outlook will improve, but in the meantime, I am keen to share the message that the Government, the county council and the local Citizens Advice team are all ready and willing to help out.”