The chancellor’s £15bn cost of living package has generally been well-received. But will it do enough to help the poorest, and what role can councils play in protecting the most vulnerable households?

The Legatum Institute’s UK Poverty Unit concluded the majority of those shielded from poverty as a result of Rishi Sunak’s announcement are in families with a disabled person, along with nearly a quarter of a million pensioners. It said nearly half of those now protected from falling into poverty are in working families, and the areas benefitting the most are all so-called ‘red wall’ seats.