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<p>We value the key role that unpaid carers play in supporting disabled and elderly
people. We support them through access to the full range of social security benefits
depending on their circumstances.</p><p> </p><p>This Government is wholly committed
to supporting people on lower incomes through a range of measures, including by spending
over £110 billion on welfare support for people of working age in 2021/22.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>We understand the pressures people are facing with the cost of living,
and we will continue to listen to people’s concerns as we have done throughout the
pandemic. We’re providing support worth around £12bn this financial year and next
to help families with the cost of living, cutting the Universal Credit taper to make
sure work pays, freezing fuel duties to keep costs down, and providing targeted support
to help households with their energy bills.</p><p>We recognise that some people require
extra support over the winter, which is why vulnerable households across the country
can access a new £500 million support fund to help them with essentials. The Barnett
Formula will apply in the usual way, with the Scottish government receiving £41 million,
which they have used to create a Winter Support Fund to help people on low incomes
this winter.</p><p> </p><p>Significant social security powers are devolved to the
Scottish Government if they wish to use them. These include the power to top up reserved
benefits, make discretionary payments or introduce new benefits in areas of devolved
responsibility.</p><p> </p>
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