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<p>The Secretary of State undertakes an annual review of benefits and pensions using
the Consumer Prices Index in the year to September. This is the latest figure that
the Secretary of State can use to allow sufficient time for the required legislative
and operational changes before new rates can be introduced at the start of the following
April. All benefit up-rating since April 1987 has been based on the increase in the
relevant price inflation index in the 12 months to the previous September.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>The government understands the pressures people are facing with the
cost of living. These are global challenges, and the government has taken action to
support families with help worth over £22 billion in 2022-23.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The
£22bn of extra support includes the £9.1bn energy package, the Universal Credit taper
rate reduction from 63% to 55%, the increase in the Universal Credit work allowance
by £500 per annum and the doubling of the Household Support Fund to £1bn by providing
an extra £500 million from April 2022, on top of the £500 million already provided
since October 2021.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p> </p>
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