Slough’s council leader has welcomed the fresh round of cost-of-living support payments, which are expected to help nearly 20,000 households in the town.

People receiving eligible means-tested benefits including Universal Credit and Pension Credit are set to receive the £300 payment to assist with the pervasive cost-of-living crisis.

Eight million households across the UK are expected to benefit from this second of three support payments, with 18,900 Slough households set to be among the recipients.

Slough council leader Dexter Smith said: “The Conservative government is continuing to do everything it can to cushion households across Slough from the impact of rising prices driven by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The record financial support has already supported thousands of families across Slough, and this latest £300 Cost of Living payment for 18,900 eligible households will make a huge difference to the most vulnerable households and those on the lowest incomes as we move into the colder months.”

These cost-of-living payments will be paid automatically into the recipient’s bank account and do not count towards the benefit cap or impact on existing benefits.

An additional support payment is expected to be distributed next spring.

Separate support is also due to reach vulnerable people during the winter months, with Winter Fuel Payments to be boosted again as well as rebates for low-income households.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “Tackling inflation is the best way to boost people’s incomes, but as we work to halve it, we are protecting the most vulnerable households from high prices with this latest cost-of-living payment.

“Thousands of Work Coaches based in Jobcentres across the country are on hand to help people find work or enhance their skills, and I encourage anyone wanting to strengthen their finances and unleash the benefits of work to contact their local Jobcentre to see what help is available.”