The Citizens Advice charity in Richmond says the cost of living squeeze – with inflation rising at its fastest rate in 30 years - is causing real hardship across the borough.

The organisation helped 675 local people in Richmond with 2,400 advice issues during December in the run-up to Christmas.

A spokesman said: "Richmond's poorest residents face skyrocketing living costs.

"The cost of living has risen very steeply in recent months. Inflation has reached high levels not seen for a generation, and energy bills have soared.

"With the recent cut to the main Universal Credit benefit, many Richmond residents are really struggling."

The government has introduced the Household Support Fund (HSF) to provide one-off grants to the neediest households.

In December, Richmond CA 60 households successfully apply for these HSF grants.

However, the group said these grants are not enough to off-set the rising cost of essentials and the change in Universal Credit, which means households are over £1,000 a year worse off.

The HSF grants amount to £300 for households with one or more adults, £500 for one child households, and £600 for households with two or more children.

In December a single mother of four children was helped to apply for fuel grants and some charitable grants.

A single woman made redundant was helped to apply for a £300 grant to cover rent and living expenses. Another woman, unable to work through illness, received a similar grant to help keep warm.

Nationally, CA is calling for targeted support to low-income households in April 2022 via an 'Energy Support Grant' through the benefit system.

It says Winter Fuel Payments of £100-300, which are already paid to pensioners, should be extended to Universal Credit and legacy benefits claimant.

It argues that benefits should be uprated by the Bank of England forecast inflation rate of 6% for April, rather than a planned 3.1%.

And they want an extension of the Warm Homes Discount – a £140 discount on energy bills - to channel money directly to those that need it most.

• CitizensAdviceRichmond.org. Advice Freephone: 080 82 78 78 73