Moray MP welcomes confirmation of dates for Cost of Living Payments
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Highland MSP Douglas Ross has “warmly welcomed” confirmation of the payment dates for the Cost of Living Payment (COLP).
Thousands of eligible constituents will receive payments of £301 from the UK government to help with the rising cost-of-living, with the cash due to hit bank accounts between April 25 and May 17.
This payment will be the first of three payments – totalling £900 – that the UK government are providing to means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, in 2023-24.
Disability payments of £150, as well as £300 in pensioner payments, are also due to be made to those eligible.
According to UK government statistics some 9400 people are eligible in Moray for the £301 payment – which will be sent out automatically to recipients – and 8400 are eligible for the £150 disability payment.
Mr Ross said that this further evidence of the UK government “stepping up” to support the most vulnerable people in Moray and those that are continuing to struggle with rising bills.
He went on to state that he recognises that “times are tough” but hopes that these payments – which build on cost-of-living related support paid out by the UK government last year – will go some way to helping ease the financial pressure facing individuals and families in Moray.
Mr Ross said: “The confirmation from the UK government about when these payments will be made to help thousands of people in Moray with the cost-of-living is extremely welcome.
“I know that times continue to be tough for many people across the area but the support that will be coming in the near future will hopefully help to ease some of the financial pressure facing them.
“This is further evidence of the UK government stepping up to support the most vulnerable people in Moray on top of cost-of-living related payments made last year.
“With this just being the first payment worth hundreds of pounds that is being made, people in Moray who are eligible can be reassured that further payments will be paid later in the year, without them having to apply for the support.
“The cost-of-living crisis is an absolute priority and is the issue we should all be focusing on right now.
"I'm grateful that the UK government continues to delivering this support and alongside my team in my office in Forres, we are always on hand to try to assist anyone who has any issues with rising bills or to make sure that they get these payments.”
Across Scotland around 686,000 households are set to receive the £301 payment over April 25-May17.
