Local MP Katy Clark has voted for an increase in the Christmas Bonus received by 12.5 million pensioners, 2 million people with disabilities, 350,000 carers and 150,000 recipients of bereavement benefit. The Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran was part of a committee which voted to approve a statutory instrument which will increase the annual Christmas Bonus received by these groups from £10 to £70. The committee was established following an announcement from the Chancellor in the Pre-Budget Report that the Christmas Bonus was to be increased for this winter.

Speaking on the subject Ms. Clark said “many pensioners are really struggling with the high fuel prices this winter. In some extreme cases pensioners have been forced to choose between heating their home and eating properly. This increased bonus is very welcome and will go a small way to help pensioners and other vulnerable groups particularly during the winter months”

“I was pleased to see the Chancellor announce in the Pre-Budget Report that the Christmas Bonus would be increased this winter and I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to vote in favour of a measure which will benefit 20,700 pensioners in North Ayrshire and Arran alongside 6,440 others in the area including 420 children.

12.5 million pensioners will receive the £60 increase to their bonus in January with the additional 2.5 million recipients receiving it in February or March