MP John Stevenson has welcomed the government's extended cost-of-living payments worth £900 for vulnerable families in Carlisle.

Almost one in four families across the UK will receive £301 from the government as the latest payments begin to be sent out, including 10,700 families in Carlisle.

10,100 eligible individuals in Carlisle will also receive the disability cost-of-living payment worth £150 again this year.

Over eight million households across the UK who claimed qualifying means-tested benefits during the eligibility period will be automatically paid £301 in their first payment this year.

This direct support is part of the Conservative’s £94 billion package of support worth £900 this year for vulnerable households receiving means-tested benefits.

READ MORE: Millions to receive DWP £301 cost of living payment next week

The payments are made directly with no need to apply or do anything to receive it.

Commenting, John said: "I am pleased to see the Conservative Government is rightly protecting the most vulnerable people in Carlisle.

"10,700 families in Carlisle are eligible for a further means-tested cost of living payment worth £301 from today, and £900 in total for 2023-4.

"These payments will give families much-needed support, protecting vulnerable people who are most exposed to rising prices," he said. 

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "The best thing we can do to help people’s money go further is deliver on our priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy.

"But we’re also here to help people through these tough times, which is why we’re holding down energy bills, freezing fuel duty, increasing Universal Credit, and giving £900 payments to low income and vulnerable families - all in part funded through windfall taxes on energy profits," he said.