To ask the Minister for Communities, in light of the increasing cost of household goods, what steps he will take to support those reliant on (i) benefits; (ii) state pensions; and (iii) government and community support schemes to help ease pressures during the current cost of living crisis.

The Department for Communities has been at the forefront of delivering support to households impacted by the rising cost of living.

In response to the cost-of-living and energy crises, the UK Government announced a package of one-off payments for disabled claimants, pensioners and those on income-related benefits. Northern Ireland claimants are included in these payments which are intended to provide additional financial support in response to the rise in the cost of living.

The most recent Cost of Living Payments have been delivered throughout 2023/24 with a final payment of £299 to eligible people in receipt of an income-related benefit to be paid in February 2024.

Further information on all cost of living help and support available, including details of cost of living support payments issued, is available at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/cost-living

From April 2023, benefits and state pension were increased by 10.1%, in line with the September 2022 rate of inflation. From April 2024 benefits will be increased by 6.7%, in line with the September 2023 rate of inflation, whilst the state pension will be increased by 8.5% in line with the increase in average earnings between May and July 2023.

My Department also provides help through the Affordable Warmth scheme, as well as the Winter Fuel Payments to those who are eligible. Funding has been allocated to our Social Supermarket Scheme to help those in or at risk of food poverty.