New cost-of-living measures to benefit West Dunbartonshire families

Douglas McAllister, MP for West Dunbartonshire has welcomed the new measures <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
Douglas McAllister, MP for West Dunbartonshire has welcomed the new measures (Image: Supplied)
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The UK Government has introduced fresh cost-of-living measures.

The new policies, which took effect today, include wage increases and bill reductions for workers across the UK, including West Dunbartonshire.

Key policies include raising the National Living Wage to £12.71, representing a £900 annual increase for some of the lowest earners.

The National Minimum Wage has also been increased to £10.85, providing a £1500 pay boost for more than 180,000 Scottish workers and more than 200,000 young workers across the country.

Energy bills have been cut by an average of £117 per year for households in West Dunbartonshire, with the reduction locked in until the end of June.

Vulnerable families will benefit from the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, backed by £1 billion, which will help cover essentials such as heating oil.



Douglas McAllister, MP for West Dunbartonshire, said: "Many constituents contact me concerned about the cost of living.

"I know it is an issue that is at the forefront of most people’s minds.

"The UK Labour Government recognises this, and that is why we are taking action to introduce measures that will go a long way to help working families.

"There is still lots more to do, but we are taking the first steps in tackling the cost of living, bringing down bills and putting more money in people’s pockets across the UK."



Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "In an uncertain and volatile world, it is my government’s duty to protect the British people at home and abroad.

"I know the public are concerned about the conflict in Iran and what it means for them and their families.

"I want to reassure them that they have a government on their side, working with allies on de-escalation and bearing down on the cost of living.

"Today, millions of people up and down the country will see energy bills go down by £117, wages go up for the lowest paid and more support will be available for people who need it most – because of the decisions this government has taken.

"But we must go further to bear down on costs, and that means pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East and a re-opened Strait of Hormuz.

"That is the best way we can bring down the cost of living for families and that is my focus."

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