Sunak planning further help with cost of living, Zahawi suggests

theguardian.com:

Rishi Sunak is planning further help with the cost of living, the UK education secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, has said, adding that it would “irresponsible for me to say ‘job done’” days after the spring statement.

Zahawi’s hint came amid reports Sunak will look again at a further council tax rebate in the autumn, after the chancellor was widely criticised for a statement that appeared to do little to ease the pressures of rising energy prices and inflation.

Sunak announced a rise in the threshold for paying national insurance, as well as a 5p fuel duty cut, but no additional rise in benefits. The Resolution Foundation has predicted half a million children could be pushed below the poverty line next year.

Zahawi told Sky’s Sophy Ridge that there would likely be further help, amid reported tensions between Sunak and Boris Johnson over the reception for the statement.

“I think he will continue to keep an eye on this, it’s only right,” he said. “It’s irresponsible for me to say ‘job done’ because energy prices are volatile, inflation remains high, so it would be absolutely irresponsible to say ‘job done’.

“But I think £22bn, in one year, of help when you’ve just spent £400bn is the right thing to do.”

The Sunday Times reported that the chancellor was considering proposals for a new council tax rebate in the autumn, with consumers facing the possibility of further fuel bill rises in October. On Friday, the energy price cap will rise by almost £700 to £1,971 – but could rise to just under £3,000 by October 2022 for the average dual fuel bill.

The shadow work and pensions secretary said Sunak had been “playing games” by announcing a future 1p cut to income tax in the statement while people were struggling this year.

“Rishi Sunak absolutely