An immediate increase in benefits could surely be brought into play, writes Jill Westby. Plus letters from Lisa J Rafferty and Carolyn Sutton on their struggles with rocketing household bills
The government’s responses to the cost of living crisis are mainly long term and do not respond to the immediate and dire situations of people in the greatest need (Boris Johnson to stress work as the fix for cost of living crisis, 22 May). Many have incomes below the tax threshold and will therefore not benefit from any cut in income tax. The £150 council tax rebate and £200 loan will be welcome to some, but will have already been swallowed up by recent energy bills.
An immediate and adequate increase in benefits could surely be brought into play. If not, as is the case with many of this government’s initiatives, saving money now will certainly result in massive future payments necessary to deal with the unfortunate outcomes, such as the results of going without sufficient food, being able to clothe growing children, dealing with threatened eviction from rented property, and defaulting on mortgage payments.
