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<p>The Government has provided an unprecedented package to support households with
their rising energy bills. The additional measures announced at Spring Budget bring
total government support for energy bills to £1,500 for the typical household since
October 2022.</p><p> </p><p>As announced at Autumn Statement, the Government will
develop a new approach to consumer protection in domestic energy markets, which will
apply from April 2024 onwards. The Government will work with consumer groups and industry
to consider the best approach, including options such as social tariffs, as part of
wider retail market reforms. The objectives of this new approach will be to deliver
a fair deal for domestic consumers, ensure the energy market is resilient and investable
over the long-term, and support an efficient and flexible energy system.</p><p> </p><p>The
Government also meets with disability focus groups and charities to understand the
impacts the changes in the cost of living are having on disadvantaged people, which
includes those who use life-saving treatment at home. The Government recognises that
the rising cost of living has presented additional financial challenges to many people,
and especially to the most vulnerable members of society, such as disabled people
and people with long-term health conditions.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>At Autumn
Statement 2022, the Government announced that it will provide a further Disability
Cost of Living payment of £150 in 2023/24 to people in receipt of extra-costs disability
benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance
(DLA), in addition to the £150 payment from the Cost of Living package in May last
year. These payments can be received in addition to the other Cost of Living Payments
for households on means-tested benefits, namely the £650 payment announced in May
and the additional £900 payment announced at Autumn Statement.</p>
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