ALMOST one in four families across the UK will receive £324 from the UK Government this month as the latest cost of living payments begin to be sent out today (November 9).

This includes 12,200 families in the Vale of Clwyd.

More than eight million households in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who claimed qualifying means-tested benefits during the eligibility period will be automatically paid £324 this month.

This direct support is part of the Government’s £37billion package of cost of living support, including up to £1,200 worth of direct help for vulnerable households.

In addition to means-tested cost of living support, the Energy Price Guarantee will help to keep household energy bills as low as possible – saving the typical household £700 this winter.

The £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme will also help every household with the cost of energy this winter.

The payments, starting yesterday (November 8) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), are made directly, with no need to apply or do anything to receive it.

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Vale of Clwyd MP, James Davies, said: “Households are facing rising living costs in the wake of (Vladimir) Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and it is right that vulnerable households across the UK and in the Vale of Clwyd are supported.

“I welcome the news that 12,200 families in the Vale of Clwyd are eligible for their second means-tested cost of living payment worth £324 this month.

“These payments will give families much needed support this winter and protect the most vulnerable in the face of rising prices.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said: “Prices are rising across the world as we manage the aftershock of COVID-19 and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We recognise that families are struggling, which is why we’ve taken decisive action to hold down energy bills this winter and provided hundreds of pounds of cash support for each vulnerable household.

“As part of that support, over eight million vulnerable households – almost a quarter of families in the UK – will automatically receive a second cost of living payment worth £324 in their bank account from today.

“And while we can’t completely protect people from rising prices, my priority at the upcoming Autumn Statement will be to protect the poorest in society as we take the tough decisions necessary to fix our public finances.”