In the 2026 1st Quarter period our Income Maximisation team supported 92 new clients. We helped them access £142,000 of missing entitlements in the 3-month period and completed 120 “better off in work” calculations showing the overall positive financial impact of moving into paid work.
In April 2027 Scottish Child Payment will increase to £40 a week for under 1 year olds. You need to receive Universal Credit (or other means tested benefit) to qualify for this benefit. The rate for over 1 year olds is currently £28.20 per child per week.
Despite the unrest in the Middle East UK inflation has remained static at 2.8% and importantly for those on a low income Food inflation has hit a 17-month low at 2.2% for the year. However the overall increase in fuel prices is expected to result in higher food costs later in the year due to increased delivery costs.
At the beginning of July the cost of domestic energy (Gas and Electric) increased by 13% for a 3 month period. This effects the 60% of people who are on the standard variable tariffs who have not chosen a fixed deal. Fixed energy deals can save £100’s a year. Your energy provider should show you on your bill if they have any fixed deals which you could switch to and how much this would save you. Alternatively you can use a comparison website to check fixed tariffs available to you.