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Cost of Living Payments and the Welfare Cap

23 June 2022

Proposing MP
Richmond and Northallerton
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Treasury

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses whether the Cost of Living Payments fall within or outside the scope of the welfare cap.

Action Requested

It is announced that the Cost of Living Payments, first announced on May 26th, 2022, are categorised as outside the scope of the welfare cap due to their temporary and exceptional nature. This decision was made in accordance with HM Treasury’s obligations under the Charter for Budget Responsibility.

Key Facts

  • The Cost of Living Payments were first announced on May 26th, 2022.
  • The welfare cap is designed to manage predictable elements of benefit expenditure.
  • Benefits most directly linked to the economic cycle are categorised as outside the scope of the welfare cap.
  • The formal assessment for breaching the welfare cap will occur in 2024-25.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy