The next round of cost of living payments to help hard up households as winter approaches will start to be distributed at the end of this month.

The £300 award by the government aims to ease the burden on inflation on low-income and vulnerable families and individuals.

It is the second of three payments totalling £900 under the Cost of Living Support scheme.

The money will be paid out between October 31 and November 19.

The cash and the confirmation of the payment dates has been welcomed by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson who calculates it will benefit 14,900 vulnerable and low-income households in his constituency.

It will go to those on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits, in 2023-24.

The payment will be made automatically direct to eligible households.

Details about the third cost of living payment will be announced in due course.

Government whip Mr Stephenson said: “We must continue to do everything we can to support households across Pendle with global inflation caused by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The record levels of financial support over the past year and a half have already supported families across Pendle, and this latest £300 Cost of Living Payment for 14,900 eligible households will make a huge difference to the most vulnerable and those on the lowest incomes this autumn.

“The Conservative government rightly remains committed to halving inflation, which is the best way to help everyone across Pendle with the cost of living.”