We know that families across the country are feeling the impact of the cost of living – it’s the number one issue impacting working people.
It’s why we’re taking action to reduce everyday costs, whether it’s freezing rail fares and prescription charges or increasing wages and lowering energy bills. We are taking practical steps to help make every day easier.
Making every day easier
Watch how Irisha has benefitted from government support with the cost of living.
Support we’re delivering
Pay boost for millions of workers
2.7 million workers will receive a 4% pay rise from April. Full-time workers on the National Living Wage will see a rise of £900 a year, while full-time workers on the 18-20 National Minimum Wage rate will see a £1,500 rise.
Check the rates that apply to you
Energy price cap lowered by £117
The energy regulator Ofgem has now confirmed the energy price cap for April – which limits the amount customers on standard variable tariffs pay for each unit of gas and electricity.
Find out more about changes to the price cap
30 hours funded childcare
Eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to school age in England can get up to 30 hours a week of government-funded childcare for 38 weeks of the year, saving up to £8,000 a year.
Find out about available childcare support
Free breakfast clubs for primary school children
Free breakfast clubs for all primary school pupils in England will save parents £450 a year.
Find out about free breakfast clubs
Extending Free School Meals
Extending Free School Meals to all children in England in households on Universal Credit puts £500 back in the pocket of the families of over half a million children.
Apply for free school meals
Removal of the two-child limit
The two-child limit on Universal Credit will be removed from April, lifting an estimated 450,000 children out of poverty and making sure children have the best start in life.
Find out more
£3 bus fare cap
We’re extending the £3 bus fare cap in England until April 2027.
Check the routes included in the scheme
Rail fares frozen
We have frozen rail fares in 2026 in England, saving the average commuter £315 per year
Find out more about the freeze
Fuel duty cut
We’re extending the 5p fuel duty cut until Sept 2026, cancelling the planned inflation increase for 2026-27, and introducing Fuel Finder to drive price competition, saving the average family £89 this
year.
Check fuel duty rates