On Thursday - November 17 - Jeremy Hunt announced plans for the Autumn Budget as he set out ways to help the general public amid the rising cost of living crisis.
As well as talking about changes such as the increase to the National Living Wage which will rise to £10.42 from April 2023, he also spoke about Universal Credit and what the upcoming changes mean for people living in the UK.
In his Autumn Statement, Hunt confirmed the state pension and other benefits will increase in line with inflation with a rise of 10.1 per cent, costing £11 billion.
READ MORE: Tesco introduces yellow sticker change for people seeking reduced items
It comes after the government received repeated calls from the opposition and campaigners to provide more support to people on Universal Credit during the cost of living crisis.
The Government will also introduce an additional £900 for those on benefits in a series of cost-of-living payments, which includes £300 for pensioners and £150 for those on disability benefit.
Earlier in his statement to the Commons, Mr Hunt announced that around 600,000 more people on Universal Credit will have to meet with a work coach meaning people across the country who are currently on Universal Credit can "can get the support they need to increase their work hours or earnings."
Mr Hunt then said that Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride will review “issues holding back workforce participation”, which will conclude early in the new year adding that the Government will postpone the managed transition of people from employment and support allowance on to Universal Credit to 2028.
The Chancellor also noted that he will also invest an extra £280 million to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to “crackdown” on benefit fraud and error over the next two years.
The Government’s review of the state pension age will be published in early 2023, the Chancellor said.
In his speech Hunt said: "Today I also commit to update such benefits by inflation with an increase of 10.1 per cent that is an expensive commitment costing £11 billion. But it means 10 million working-age families will see a much-needed increase next year. On average, a family on universal credit will benefit next year by around £600. And to increase the number of households who can benefit from this decision I will also increase the benefit cap with inflation next year."
READ NEXT:
Energy price cap increase as Glasgow households set for even higher bills
National Living Wage increase will see Glasgow workers £1,600 a year better off
Heating expert shares cheap radiator hack that helps blow hot air around your home
Glasgow school strikes: When it's happening, what it means and are there any more planned?
Mum creates brilliant Christmas advent calendar idea as parents share DIY tips
