Local MP Dean Russell was joined by Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, on a visit to Watford after he announced a raft of financial measures to help see the country through the cost-of-living crisis.
The £21 billion package unveiled by the Chancellor to help people with increasing energy will see each household receive £400, with further funding available to the lowest-income households, pensioners, and those in receipt of disability benefits. The measures will be partly funded by a temporary levy on oil and gas companies.
Rishi Sunak visited the B&Q store on the Watford Arches retail park to speak to staff about the challenges they face. He led a Q&A session covering many aspects of the cost of living crisis from mortgages to uncertainty in Ukraine and rising prices at the petrol pump.
Speaking after the announcement the Chancellor commented “We will get through this, we have the tools and the determination we need to combat and reduce inflation. We will make sure the most vulnerable and least well off get the support they need at this time of difficulty. We know that households are being hit hard right now. We will provide significant support to the British people.”
Dean Russell said “I am pleased that the Chancellor has announced measures to help relieve some of the financial stress people across the country are experiencing. The government said it was keeping every option on the table and the measures announced will help every household, particularly those in most need.”
