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All UK households will get a £400 discount on energy bills this autumn
It's part of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's package of measures to tackle the cost of living crisis worth £15 billion.
The government has confirmed that every household in the UK is to get an energy bill discount of £400 this autumn.
With the rising cost of living crisis continuing to make its impact felt across the country, and in the wake of inflation having now risen to the 40-year UK high of 9%, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has this afternoon announced to a package of new measures to tackle soaring prices following warnings that millions could be left struggling come October.
Mr Sunak said he had offered “significant support” for the whole UK.
The package of new measures – which is said to be worth £15 billion in total – will be partly funded through a 25% windfall tax on oil and gas firms’ profits, which have seen unprecedented rises in recent months.
As well as all UK households being set to receive a £400 discount towards energy bills, the government has also announced a one-off payment of £650 will go to eight million low-income households.
Read more: Inflation rises to 40-year UK high of 9% amid cost of living crisis
Announcing the support in an address to MPs in the House of Commons this afternoon, Mr Sunak: “We know that people are facing challenges with the cost of living and that is why today I’m stepping in with further support to help with rising energy bills.
“We have a collective responsibility to help those who are paying the highest price for the high inflation we face [and] that is why I’m targeting this significant support to millions of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“I said we would stand by people and that is what this support does today.”
The Chancellor’s announcement today comes after the UK’s energy regulator Ofgem said on Wednesday that the typical household energy bill was set to rise by £800 in October, bringing it to £2,800 a year.
Read more: Ofgem confirms energy price cap will rise to £2,800 in October
The regulator warned that 12 million households across the country could be pushed into poverty because of the price cap rise.
Bills had already risen by £700 on average in April.
There will also be separate one-off payments of £300 to households with pension incomes and £150 to individuals receiving disability benefits – which the Chancellor calls groups who are “most vulnerable to rising prices”.
Featured Image – Number 10 (via Flickr)
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”
The club itself added in a statement: “He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
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“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Featured Image – Manchester United (via X)
News
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
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Featured image: Unsplash, Brittany Colette
The Manc -
26th May 2022 
