HOMEOWNERS and tenants have laid bare the impact of how the cost-of-living crisis across the North East has impacted them – with some having to choose between heating and eating and others questioning how long it will take for the benefits to be felt among ‘every day people’.
Over the last few months, rising gas and electric bills, growing petrol prices and every day financial pressures have impacted those across the North East and the wider UK.
This includes business owners, those that own their own home, as well as tenants, some of which are vulnerable.
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Following Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s emergency package announcement on Thursday, which include a one-off payment of £650 for eight million households on the lowest incomes and £400 for every household.
In addition, eight million pensioners will get an extra £300, and a one-off disability cost of living payment of £150 will be introduced.
But despite the promise of financial help, some residents have questioned when they will receive these benefits, and whether MPs and others that are “less in need” will also receive £400 for energy bills.
Anne Hall, who lives in Sunderland, is one of those that has felt a direct impact from the cost-of-living crisis – facing a decision on cutting down on the number of meals per day, while her monthly energy bills has risen from £80 to £164.
The mother-of-two has described the £400 as “a start” but has also hit out at the rising costs as “an utter mess”.
She said: “These measures are a start, but how long will these take to get to everyday people – they need them now.
“At the end of the day, this situation is an utter mess, and something must change.
“Are all MPs getting it too? They get thousands in wages, and they shouldn’t even need these household funds.
“I’ve no idea how far it will go, especially considering what has happened over the last six months, but we will soon see.”
Northern Echo readers also shared the same concerns – reacting to the government’s measures and seeing it as a sign of “too little, too late”.
Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement, one social media user said: “Typical, working folk yet again don't get any help."
Another added: “I work three jobs and get tax credits, not Universal Credit. I wonder if I will qualify. I am sick of people assuming I am a lay about because I'm on a type of benefit.”
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