UUP Caution That More Help Will Be Needed In The Autumn

UUP Finance Spokesperson, Steve Aiken, has welcomed the Chancellor's cost of living support package announced today, but cautions that more may be needed in the Autumn.

Mr Aiken said: "The announcement that the Chancellor has acted to try and help alleviate the cost-of-living crisis is to be welcomed. That he listened to the concerns of the least well off and the most vulnerable in our society is to be welcomed. This £15Billion package is a substantial uplift, although with rising energy and food costs, we may have to further revisit this for additional support in the autumn.

"The news that payments of £1,200 will be made directly to those most in need through DWP is also to be welcomed, as allocating it through the Barnett formula would mean that in this part of the United Kingdom, we would not have seen those benefits.

"Of concern, however, is the household support fund not being made available directly here. Instead it comes as a Barnett supplementary of £14million – just another figure to be added to the £400million+ sitting waiting for the restoration of government here.

"Further detail is also required on the equivalent support aspect of the energy bills support scheme, which we have sought from the Chancellor. While we await the allocation of those particular funds, the multi-billion uplift in support is another clear demonstration of the benefits of being part of the United Kingdom."