Recently, the Government announced support for over a million families across the country in receipt of tax credits who will receive their first Cost of Living payment from 2 September 2022.

I know that the rising cost of living in the face of global inflationary pressures and Putin's barbaric invasion of Ukraine is providing a particular challenge for local families in north Norwich and I have been writing to constituents to keep them up to date with information and support that can be accessed.

This £326 payment will be paid automatically into eligible tax-credit customers' bank accounts between 2 and 7 September 2022 and is part of a further £360 million of Government support to help local low-income households with the cost of living.

These payments will mean that eligible households receiving means-tested benefits will have received the first of two Cost of Living payments of £326 from 14 July 2022. The second of these payments will be paid automatically in the autumn of this year.

Locally, residents here in Norwich and across Norfolk who require further support can look at support being offered through the Household Support Fund administered through Norfolk County Council here.

The Money Support Service is also a vital service to help residents with budgeting and their service can be accessed here.  

I will continue to stand up for and support the needs of local people here in north Norwich who are feeling the squeeze of rising fuel costs.