Help with cost of living Voters reminded to bring ID to local election polling stations

Cost of living payments of £301 are being issued by the Government to people who receive means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit or Pension Credit.

Everyone who is eligible should receive their payment by 17 May.

the same way that payments were made in 2022/23. This is in addition to the meanstested benefit and disability payments, if eligible.

The payment reference for bank accounts will be DWP COLP, along with the claimant’s National Insurance number.

With local elections taking place in Swindon on Thursday, 4 May, all voters heading to cast their ballot at a polling station will need to remember to take an accepted form of photo ID with them.

Postal voters are not affected by the changes.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK passport, a full or provisional driving licence, some concessionary travel passes and a PASS card. Poll card letters, which were delivered to all registered voters in Swindon at the end of March, cannot be used as ID. gov.uk/voterID

More information on the voter ID requirement, including a full list of the accepted forms of ID, can be found at www.swindon.

Election results will be released on the council’s website and social media on Friday, 5 May.

A second cost of living payment of £300 will be made in the autumn, and a third of £299 will be paid next Spring.

There is also a separate £150 disability cost of living payment for people who receive certain benefits. Around 6m people will get this payment this summer.

People who receive winter fuel payments will also get an additional £300 cost of living payment during winter 2023/24 to help with bills, in

Tips on how to reduce energy consumption while staying warm are available from Warm and Safe Wiltshire on 0800 038 5722.

Benefit and grant advice is offered by Citizens Advice Swindon on 0808 278 7813 between 10am and 4pm on weekdays, and people can visit www.swindon.gov. uk/costofliving for further information and advice about the services available to help.