Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson has welcomed a series of payments from the UK Government to help local residents deal with the cost of living crisis.
This follows an announcement in the UK Parliament yesterday (7th Feb) which confirmed the payment schedule for five direct cost of living payments through the 2023/24 financial year.
Over 90,000 households in Lanarkshire on means-tested benefits will automatically receive £301 this spring, and over 95,000 individuals on disability benefits will receive a £150 payment this summer.
The £301 payment is the first of five direct cost of living payments for the most vulnerable households, including pensioners and disabled people, with the total amount of support reaching up to £1,350.
These follow the UK Government’s support package from 2022 which rose up to £1,200 for some recipients.
Figures from the UK Government show 51,800 households in North Lanarkshire and 42,800 households in South Lanarkshire are eligible for the means-tested Cost of Living Payment.
Similarly, 52,500 individuals in North Lanarkshire and 43,900 individuals in South Lanarkshire are eligible for the disability Cost of Living Payment.
Mr Simpson says these direct payments will help thousands of Lanarkshire residents with the Cost of Living during this year and the start of next year.
He added that this is more evidence of the UK Government’s commitment to support the most vulnerable members of our society.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “I’m delighted that thousands of residents in Lanarkshire will qualify for these additional payments to help with the cost of living.
“Like the UK Government’s wider support package, these measures will ensure more households are being helped through this challenging period of high inflation, caused by Putin’s illegal war and the aftershocks of the pandemic.
“This is further evidence of the UK Government’s commitment to support the most vulnerable people in our region and across Scotland. .”
