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Governments cost of living work group has not met for six months

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The Independent
By Jon Stone

The government's working group to address the cost living has not met for six months despite surging energy prices, The Independent has learned.

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The inter-ministerial group on the cost of living last met in early November 2021 but has since ground to a complete halt with no meetings held since the beginning of the Partygate scandal.

The revelation comes after widespread criticism of the government's response to the cost-of-living crisis, with ministers accused of being asleep at the wheel and focused on other matters.

Earlier this month inflation hit a 30-year high of 7 per cent on the back of sky-rocketing fuel costs but ministers have offered little extra help beyond a temporary loan scheme announced by Rishi Sunak in March.

The lack of meetings in recent months means the group has not met at all since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is partly responsible for the surge in energy prices.

Ministers say they have held extensive discussions about the cost of living with eachother outside the scope of the group but admit it has not officially met for around half a year.

According to the government, the work group is meant to make sure there is a cross-government understanding of the cost of living challenges, particular for those on lower incomes and to encourage a joined up approach.

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