Tag: 2022

PRESS RELEASE : Government announces phased mandation of Making Tax Digital for ITSA [December 2022]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 December 2022.

Self-employed individuals and landlords will have more time to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), following a government announcement today (19 December 2022).

Understanding that self-employed individuals and landlords are currently facing a challenging economic environment, and the transition to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) represents a significant change to taxpayers and HMRC for how self-employment and property income is reported, the government is giving a longer period to prepare for MTD. The mandatory use of software is therefore being phased in from April 2026, rather than April 2024.

From April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords with an income of more than £50,000 will be required to keep digital records and provide quarterly updates on their income and expenditure to HMRC through MTD-compatible software. Those with an income of between £30,000 and £50,000 will need to do this from April 2027. Most customers will be able to join voluntarily beforehand meaning they can eliminate common errors and save time managing their tax affairs.

The government has also announced a review into the needs of smaller businesses, and particularly those under the £30,000 income threshold. The review will consider how MTD for ITSA can be shaped to meet the needs of these smaller businesses and the best way for them to fulfil their Income Tax obligations. It will also inform the approach for any further roll out of MTD for ITSA after April 2027.

Mandation of MTD for ITSA will not be extended to general partnerships in 2025 as previously announced. The government remains committed to introducing MTD for ITSA to partnerships in line with its vision set out in the government’s tax administration strategy.

Victoria Atkins, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

It is right to take the time to work together to maximise the benefits of Making Tax Digital for small businesses by implementing the change gradually. It is important to ensure this works for everyone: taxpayers, tax agents, software developers, as well as HMRC.

Smaller businesses in particular should be able to experience the benefits of increased digitalisation of Income Tax in a way which meets their needs. That is why we are also today announcing a review to establish the best way to achieve this.

Jim Harra, Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, HM Revenue and Customs, said:

HMRC remains committed to the delivery of Making Tax Digital as a critical part of our strategy for digitalising and modernising the tax system, but we want to make sure we get this right and deliver it effectively.

A phased approach to mandating MTD for Income Tax will allow us to work together with our partners to make sure that our self-employed and landlord customers can make the most of the opportunities this will bring.

The announcement relates to MTD for ITSA only. Making Tax Digital for VAT has already been implemented and is demonstrating the benefits to businesses and the tax system of digital ways of working.

December 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Sarah Cardell named CEO of Competition and Markets Authority [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 19 December 2022.

The Business Secretary Grant Shapps has appointed Sarah Cardell as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Ms Cardell has held the position of Interim CEO since July 2022 following the departure of Andrea Coscelli.

The CMA is the UK’s independent competition authority responsible for carrying out investigations into mergers, markets and the regulated industries and enforcing competition and consumer law. Its objective is to make markets work well for consumers, businesses and the economy.

Cardell was previously General Counsel at the CMA with executive leadership responsibility for the CMA’s Legal Service, Policy and International, and Digital Markets Unit functions.

She has over 20 years of experience of competition and consumer enforcement in the private and public sector, including as a Partner in the Competition Group at Slaughter and May, where she advised across a wide range of EU and UK merger and antitrust cases.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

Having served at the CMA for over 9 years – most recently as Interim CEO – Sarah’s expertise in competition, regulation and digital markets is unrivalled and she will help to ensure the regulator continues making competition work for consumers and businesses. I look forward to working with her closely.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive Officer of the Competition and Markets Authority, said:

It’s an exciting time to be appointed as the CMA’s permanent CEO and I can’t wait to start delivering on the new strategy that we set out last week. We have set out our immediate priorities alongside medium-term ambitions, focusing on the things that are affecting people the most, from the rising cost-of-living to climate change.

The CMA’s work is vital, particularly as we take on more responsibilities. My full focus will be on delivering positive outcomes for people, businesses and the UK economy, supported by our dedicated and talented teams.

Marcus Bokkerink, Competition and Markets Authority Chairman, said:

I’ve been so impressed by Sarah’s steady leadership in the short time we’ve worked together and this appointment is thoroughly deserved. Sarah has played a central role in shaping the new CMA strategy so there is nobody better placed to deliver on that strategy and drive ever more impactful outcomes for people, businesses and the UK economy.

There are certainly challenges ahead but I have absolute confidence that we’ll tackle them head on to ensure that markets are as competitive as possible, and people get a fair deal.

December 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Government to strengthen national resilience [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 19 December 2022.
Today (Monday 19 December) the Government has published a new Resilience Framework to strengthen how the UK prepares for and responds to emergencies.

The UK Government Resilience Framework sets out a new strategy, officially making resilience a national endeavour for the first time – and it will fundamentally strengthen the Government’s approach to risks. A new ‘whole of society’ approach to emergency planning encourages individuals, businesses and other organisations to play their part in building resilience across the UK.

The Government will make better use of data and external challenges to build a more robust understanding of the country’s strengths and weaknesses, and share this information to ensure that every group with a part to play in national resilience is empowered to do so.

By bringing together all levels of government, critical national infrastructure operators, the private sector, the public and all parts of civil society through improved data and communications, the UK will be better placed to prepare for, respond to and recover from, a range of risks and hazards – such as extreme weather, terrorism and pandemics.

The Framework follows the commitment made in the Integrated Review for greater strategic planning in resilience, to strengthen the approach to preparedness and civil protection. It sets out a number of commitments across six themes – Risk, Responsibilities and Accountability, Partnerships, Communities, Skills and Investment. These include:

Delivering a new UK Resilience Academy, built out from the Emergency Planning College, making world class professional training available to all that need it.

Appointing a new Head of Resilience, to guide best practice, encourage adherence to standards, and set guidance – making government more transparent and accountable

Introducing an Annual Statement to Parliament on civil contingencies risk and the UK government’s performance on resilience.

Clarifying roles and responsibilities in the UK government for each National Security Risk Assessment risk, to drive activity across the risk lifecycle.

Growing the UK Government’s advisory groups made up of experts, academics and industry experts to inform risk planning and provide external challenge.

Significantly strengthening Local Resilience Forums in England by working across three key pillars of reform – Leadership, Accountability, and Integration of resilience into the UK’s levelling up mission.

Developing a Measure for Social Vulnerability as an indicator of socio-economic resilience and how risks impact across communities and vulnerable groups – to further guide and inform decision making.

Conducting an annual survey of public perceptions of risk, resilience and preparedness.

A new sub-committee of the National Security Council will also specifically consider issues relating to resilience.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden MP, said:

Resilience has long been part of the UK’s approach to national security, but in an increasingly integrated world in which we cannot predict or prevent all of the challenges ahead, we need to refresh our approach – that’s why we are making resilience a national endeavour, so that as a country we are prepared for the next crisis, whatever it may be.

We have set out an ambitious plan and have already begun, strengthening accountability and transparency here in government and refreshing the way we assess national security risks. Our framework is a tool for local government, emergency services, charities and the public, to enable everyone to prepare for crises.

The new Framework builds on the work that the government has already taken to strengthen its resilience structures. The National Security Risk Assessment methodology was refreshed earlier this year to ensure it was fit for the future – looking at a longer timescale and using the widest possible range of data and insight alongside external challenges.

Government has also made changes at the heart of government, with the Cabinet Office’s emergency planning and response team forming a dedicated COBR Unit to continue to lead the government’s response to emergencies. Meanwhile the Cabinet Office’s Resilience Directorate has been established to take a more strategic approach to national resilience and drive work across the system to strengthen it.

The National Situation Centre (SitCen) was established to bring data, analysis and insight together, boosting the government’s ability to identify, monitor and manage risks. For example, during the period of extreme heat in July, the SitCen worked with partners to identify vulnerable groups and locations, enabling responders to target support effectively.
December 19, 2022
Rishi Sunak – 2022 Comments at JEF Summit

The comments made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, in Riga on 19 December 2022.

Prime Minister Krišjānis, thank you so much for hosting the summit. Thank you for hosting us all.

As you said, it’s an incredibly important time for this group to come together and discuss first and foremost the situation in Ukraine.

Volodymyr and his people have really inspired us all.

They have demonstrated that thanks to their determination, Putin is realising that he cannot win on the battlefield.

And that means he is now escalating the conflict in a way that is bringing about quite frankly appalling consequences for the people of Ukraine.

I saw it myself when I visited recently and I’m sure we’ll hear more about it soon.

The JEF nations, all of us around this table are some of Ukraine’s closest friends and allies.

We’ve taken a lead in supporting them thus far and I know we will continue to do so.

For me, I think there are three priorities for us to consider as we think about next year.

I think the first is ensuring that we deliver more military aid and that military aid evolves to meet the situation that we are now facing.

That means more air defence systems, it means artillery, it means armoured vehicles.

For our part in the United Kingdom, we have pledged to match or exceed the £2.3bn in aid that we provided this year next year and I would very much hope and encourage others around the table to do whatever they can to continue the strong support.

I think secondly, as Krišjānis alluded to, we must be clear that any unilateral call for a ceasefire by Russia is completely meaningless in the current context.

I think it would be a false call.

It would be used by Russia to regroup, to reinforce their troops and until they have withdrawn from conquered territory, there can and should be no real negotiation.

But what we can do is think about that time now.

Think about what we will do with regard to security assurances and that is the planning that I think this group can play an important part in.

And I think thirdly and lastly, we must continue to focus on degrading Russia’s capability to regroup and to resupply and that means going after its supply chains and removing the international support.

Particularly I’m thinking of Iran and the weapons that it is currently providing to Russia, which we should be very strong about calling out as we have done in the United Nations.

But also the economic consequences for Russia must continue to be severe and in that vein, the new oil price cap that the G7 have instituted and others have followed, I think, can be very helpful.

In conclusion, I’ll just say that I think our collective resolve is clear and we have and will continue to support Ukraine.

And that is first and foremost because their security is our security.

And, at that moment, it is a great honour for me to invite my dear friend Volodymyr to address us now.

December 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK completes deployment supporting Qatar World Cup security [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 December 2022.

The UK Ministry of Defence has completed its support to Qatar’s security operations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping to ensure a safe and secure event for those attending and participating.

Armed Forces personnel and assets from all three British services – Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force – were deployed to support the Qatari Ministry of Defence’s counter-terrorism efforts during the competition. The security operation was known as Operation World Cup Shield.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

UK Armed Forces have worked side by side with our Qatari partners and other nations in the last few weeks to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and secure World Cup.

Our relationship with Qatar has been strengthened further through this deployment, during which aircraft from our joint UK-Qatar Typhoon squadron demonstrated the true benefits of our partnership.

His Excellency Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs in Qatar, said:

The World Cup hosted by the State of Qatar was a great success in bringing people from all around the world to enjoy the beautiful game of football. To assure the safety and security of the State and the spectators of the game, Qatar relied on its network of allies and friends to come together in concert to provide the highest form of security and shield through its defence cooperation.

The strong and long-standing Qatari-UK defence partnership, which includes the joint Typhoon squadron, has played an essential role in safeguarding the State and the people during the events of the World Cup 2022.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) supported air security operations with 12 Squadron, the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron from RAF Coningsby, and a RAF Voyager from RAF Brize Norton.

12 Squadron operated eight Typhoon aircraft from Dukhan Air Base alongside Qatar Emiri Air Force fast jet squadrons, flying a total of 114 operational hours during the tournament. Flying from Al-Udeid Air Base, the RAF Voyager provided air-to-air refuelling capability to both RAF and QEAF fast jets during their security missions.

The Royal Navy supported maritime security by deploying their expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Force to the shores of Qatar. Led by RFA Cardigan Bay, the Command Ship for the task force, His Majesty’s Ships Chiddingfold and Bangor have conducted round-the-clock patrols of the sea lanes leading to the Gulf state, using state-of-the-art sonar and underwater remote-controlled devices to locate underwater contacts and ensure they are safe.

The UK defence support also included counter-IED advanced venue search training, operational planning support, command and control support, and further specialist advice.

Air Commodore Mark Biggadike, UK Forces Commander in Qatar for the World Cup, said:

Over two years of planning and engagement with the Qatari Ministry of Defence and six other partner nations has led to a very successful operation; of note, the first Joint operation that Qatar has conducted.

The UK is a leading nation in the provision of counter-terrorism military security and it has been my privilege to witness a team of over 500 UK service personnel providing specialist support from the land, sea and air during this event.

Security operations for the FIFA World Cup were overseen by Qatar Ministry of Defence. The UK’s contribution adds expertise and capability, in part gained through the UK’s Olympic Games experience in 2012. It is a demonstration of our strong defence relationship and further enhances the UK and Qatar’s ability to tackle our shared security challenges – contributing to regional stability and protecting mutual prosperity and security.

December 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : New education package to mark 25th anniversary of Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 19 December 2022.
- Northern Ireland Office announces free Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement educational package based on official records and primary source materials.
- Classroom exercises and assembly packs for young people in NI and across the UK to be made available online in early 2023.
- Resources developed by The National Archives, working with teachers and other academic experts.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today (Monday 19 December) announced the development of a new educational package telling the story of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and Northern Ireland’s transformation over the past quarter century. This is part of the Northern Ireland Office’s programme to mark the 25th anniversary of the landmark peace treaty.

The new education package will include lesson plans and activities for young people, and a school assembly pack suitable for all ages featuring an animated video. The optional resources will be made available to teachers, parents and youth workers across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK next year.

The Secretary of State visited The National Archives in London to meet the historians and educators who are developing the package in conjunction with teachers and other educational experts. The forthcoming free, optional resources will explain the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement to school children and young people in an age appropriate, factual manner.

The resources will allow them to reflect on Northern Ireland’s journey since its signing, including how Northern Ireland has moved from a period of conflict to the peace and vibrancy that it enjoys today.

As part of its work, The National Archives will create an advisory board made up of academics and teachers who have experience and understanding of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and will be working with young people in Northern Ireland who will tell Northern Ireland’s story.

Speaking after viewing an original signed copy of the Agreement and other related official records at the The National Archives, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP said:

“Peace is precious, and it’s immensely important that young people in Northern Ireland and right across the UK learn about the significance of the internationally renowned agreement.

“Young people will write the next chapter in Northern Ireland’s story and these resources will enable them to engage with the anniversary and appreciate the gains made from the Agreement.

“The 25th anniversary of the Agreement offers a real opportunity to bring all communities together to look to the future, and consider how we can build on the remarkable progress Northern Ireland has made this past quarter century.

“I’d like to thank The National Archives, the advisory board, and young people who will be involved in this project for their dedication to telling Northern Ireland’s story over the past 25 years.”

Jeff James, Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives said:

“This education project offers a real opportunity to bring all communities together in partnership to look to the future. These resources will be created by people who have lived through the process for those young people who are the future of Northern Ireland. They will have a key role in supporting and maintaining peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland, and it’s right that they learn about the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement’s significance to their communities.

“Archives sit at the heart of our collective understanding: who we are, where we came from, and where we are going and this project illustrates the potential in archival collections to enrich our collective understanding.”

Education Minister Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP said:

“The 25th Anniversary of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement is significant not just in the history of Northern Ireland, but for the whole of the UK.

“This new education package is a valuable optional resource, and it is absolutely right that young people right across the UK have the chance to learn more about the Agreement and the journey towards peace and stability that Northern Ireland has made since 1998.”
December 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Government proposes extending licensing hours for the Coronation [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 December 2022.

Pub licensing hours are set to be extended under proposals being published by government today (Monday 19 December) to mark His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Consort’s Coronation, providing an opportunity for our communities to come together and celebrate this historic moment, and support our hospitality industry.

The consultation will propose extending licensing hours from 11pm to 1am from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 May in pubs, clubs and bars in England and Wales.

The Home Secretary, under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, can make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, and the Coronation is an occasion which will see our country united in celebration across the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

His Majesty the King’s Coronation will be a historic moment that will see our great nation and the entire Commonwealth joined together in celebration.

Our country, and in particular our hospitality industry, has faced many challenges in recent years and the King’s Coronation is an opportunity to give a boost to our local businesses, and celebrate with our local communities.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend we can raise a glass to our new monarch, and with our friends and families wish him a long and successful reign.

The extension of licensing hours for the Coronation will be subject to public consultation, and follows the government’s announcement of an additional Bank Holiday on Monday 8 May, with public events and local community celebrations being planned across the country to mark the historic occasion.

December 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Forces Help to Buy scheme made permanent to help Service Personnel purchase housing [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 December 2022.
FHTB encourages and supports Service Personnel to buy their own home.

Under Forces Help to Buy (FHTB), Service Personnel may borrow up to 50% of their gross annual salary (up to a maximum of £25,000).

Since its launch as a pilot in 2014, FHTB has contributed to a 16% increase in home ownership amongst Service Personnel.

The Forces Help to Buy scheme has been made permanent by the Government today, as part of the enduring commitment to supporting our Armed Forces.

The scheme enables Serving Personnel to borrow up to 50% of their gross annual salary (up to a maximum of £25,000) to encourage and support home ownership and enable the option to Self-Build. This advance is interest free, repayable over a maximum of ten years and is open to most regular personnel with more than 12 months’ service.

As set out in the Defence Accommodation Strategy from October 2022, the Ministry of Defence has been committed to making the scheme an enduring offer to support forces personnel in their ambitions to become homeowners.

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison, said:

I am delighted to announce that the Forces Help to Buy scheme has been made permeant. This recognises the unique challenges that Service Personnel, and their families face and gives the opportunity to purchase a property to provide stability during their service.

The FHTB pilot initially began in 2014 and will become an enduring Ministry of Defence policy on 1 January 2023. It is expected that approximately 5,000 Serving personnel will use the scheme per year to help them with home ownership.

As well as supporting Service Personnel and their families financially, the scheme strengthens the accommodation offer, improves geographic stability for families and helps to prepare Service Personnel for transition to civilian life.
December 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Government extends Horizon Europe financial safety net [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 19 December 2022.
Government extends Horizon Europe Guarantee scheme, protecting funding for UK researchers, businesses, and innovators

the government continues to push for Association to EU programmes, but time is running out

the government’s priority is to support the UK’s research and development sector during ongoing period of uncertainty and ensure strong international collaboration opportunities for UK research.

The government has today (Monday, 19 December 2022) announced an extension to the support provided to UK Horizon Europe applicants, originally launched in November 2021. The extension will ensure that eligible, successful UK applicants will continue to be guaranteed funding, supporting them to continue their important work in research and innovation.

The guarantee will be in place to cover all Horizon Europe calls that close on or before 31 March 2023. Eligible, successful applicants to Horizon Europe will receive the full value of their funding at their UK host institution for the lifetime of their grant.

Successful awardees do not need to leave the UK to receive this funding, which will provide reassurance for future collaborations, and support UK researchers whether association is confirmed, or otherwise.

The announcement follows Science Minister Freeman’s launch of the UK International Science Partnerships Fund in Japan this last week, in a speech setting out the UK’s commitment to international research, and the UK’s Science Superpower mission. Minister Freeman outlined the ambition to better harness UK science for long term global security and sustainability, by tackling the most pressing global challenges of climate change, sustainable agricultural development, biosecurity and pandemic prevention.

The government continues to push for Association to EU programmes, but time is running out. The government’s priority is to support the UK’s research and development sector during the ongoing period of uncertainty, and to ensure strong international collaboration opportunities for UK research.

Earlier this year the government set out details of transitional measures which will be implemented in the event that association is no longer possible. Further details of these plans will be published shortly. The publication confirmed that transitional measures would pick up where the current guarantee has left off, so there will be no funding gap, and no eligible successful applications would go unsupported.

Details regarding the scope and terms of the extension are available on the UKRI website.
December 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Vital help with energy bills on the way for homes in Northern Ireland [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 19 December 2022.
- UK government confirms households in Northern Ireland will receive a single payment totalling £600 to help with their energy bills, with payments starting in January
- Northern Ireland households will receive the support through the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme
- the UK government is delivering for the people of Northern Ireland in the absence of an Executive
Households in Northern Ireland will receive support with their energy bills this winter as the government confirms a single payment of £600 will start in January 2023, ensuring the full benefit of the scheme is felt as soon as possible.

The support will combine £400 from the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme Northern Ireland (EBSS NI) with £200 under the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) scheme announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement.

The government has today confirmed it will fund Northern Ireland electricity companies for these vital payments with direct debit customers receiving the payment totalling £600 automatically into their bank account. Other customers will be sent a voucher to redeem the £600 payment, with further details of how they will work and what ID will be required set out shortly.

The NI scheme differs from EBSS in Great Britain to account for the particular and complex nature of the NI energy market and the delays caused by the lack of the NI Executive. Recognising the urgent need for this support, NI consumers will benefit from a single, one-off £600 payment, which means that they will receive the full amount before households in Great Britain. Payments will start in January.

Although energy is normally a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive, the government has had to step in and work at pace with Northern Ireland stakeholders to overcome the complexities of the Northern Ireland energy market to deliver support for households following the failure of the Northern Ireland political parties to find a way forward.

Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said:

We want households in Northern Ireland to be able to keep warm this winter and reduce the worry about the consequences of turning up the thermostat. Today’s announcement provides this reassurance, and comes in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee, which has been subsidising NI energy bills since November.

Northern Ireland energy users will be the first in the UK to receive the complete payment package offered through our Energy Bills Support Scheme. This, combined with our NI Alternative Fuel Payments, means households will receive a total of £600 from next month.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said:

I am acutely aware of the uncertainty and frustration that people across Northern Ireland have felt about their energy bill support. Families can start the new year knowing that they will receive the full support from January.

I am grateful that officials and Ministers and energy suppliers have found a solution, especially given the complexity of NI’s energy market, although I would have liked to have seen Northern Ireland political parties deliver this, as part of a restored Executive.

Today’s announcement comes as the Minister for Energy and Climate writes to Northern Ireland energy suppliers setting out his expectations, which includes urging them to suspend all debt recovery and enforcement activity until the end of January, as well as provide payment holidays until the end of January where customers are struggling to pay their bills.

As well as discounts provided through the EBSS and Alternative Fuel Payments, the government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) has so far saved each household in Northern Ireland using electricity around £65 and a further £75 for those using gas.

Further support in direct payments is being provided to vulnerable households this year, including cost of living payments for pensioners, people receiving disability-related allowances and those on means-tested benefits. The Household Support Fund provides additional assistance for those most in need and £26 billion worth of targeted support will help protect the most vulnerable in the next financial year.

Minister for Energy and Climate, Graham Stuart, said:

This support will be a lifeline for households across Northern Ireland. It will add to our existing support, giving people the peace of mind they need to keep their heating on and ward off what has been a biting winter so far.

We’ve worked tirelessly to support the people of Northern Ireland with rising energy costs and this is another step in our comprehensive response to shield the public from the impacts of global strains on the energy market.
December 19, 2022