Benefit rates will increase next April, the Chancellor has confirmed. Rachel Reeves is delivering her first Budget to the House of Commons this afternoon (October 30).
In her statement, the Labour Chancellor confirmed increases to several benefits for the next financial year. They include Universal Credit, housing benefit and personal independent payment (PIP).
The increases are in line with inflation, which has slowed down in recent months following a turbulent few years. Ms Reeves confirmed benefit rates will rise in line with the consumer price index (CPI) measure of inflation from September 2024, which was 1.7 per cent. READ MORE: Budget 2024 LIVE as Rachel Reeves announces changes to tax and public spending Meanwhile, Ms Reeves announced an increase in the carers allowance to the equivalent of 16 hours at national living wage, described as the largest increase since the allowance was introduced.
Ms Reeves also announced £1 billion to extend household support fund and discretionary housing payments 'to help those facing financial hardship with the cost of essentials'.
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