The costs of the Covid-19 pandemic and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine have added to the worldwide rises in prices and mortgage rates.
So, to help make more people aware of the help that is available, we are writing to almost 8,000 residents in Wallasey and Moreton with details of what is being done...
National Living Wage increased:
From April, the National Living Wage will increase to £10.42 an hour. This is the largest increase since it was introduced in 2016 and will help millions of low-paid workers. For a full-time worker, that means an extra £1,600 to a full-time worker. More here
National Insurance reduced:
The amount people can earn before they pay National Insurance has been increased. Together with last month’s reduction in National Insurance, around 30 million people will see their NI contributions reduced by an average of £500 over the year. More here
State Pension up:
Next year, the new state pension will increase by £18.70 a week to £203.85. The basic state pension will rise to £156.20. To support the poorest pensioners, pension credit will rise by an extra £1470 for a couple and £960 for a single pensioner in our most vulnerable households.
We're also keen to those who may be missing out, aware of some of the extra help available:
Healthy Start for the early years:
Expectant mums with a low income who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or who have a child under 4, may be able to get help to buy healthy food and milk. www.healthystart.nhs.uk
Tax-free Childcare:
You can get up to £500 every 3 months for each child to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled. You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 30 hours free childcare if you’re eligible for both. www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Marriage Allowance:
Marriage Allowance lets you transfer £1,260 of your Personal Allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner. This reduces their tax by up to £252 in the tax year (6 April to 5 April the next year). https://www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance
Council Tax discounts:
If you or someone else in your home has been diagnosed with a permanent, severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning, there is a special Council Tax discount available. This may include people with Alzheimer’s, Dementia or similar illnesses. https://www.wirral.gov.uk/council-tax/
Pension Credit:
Pension Credit is on top of the state pension and gives you extra money to help with your living costs. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit