Budget statements in the devolved nations and what it means for you

Please visit our Hub for more information, support and guidance about the cost of living with CF. If you can’t find what you are looking for, or need more immediate support please contact our Helpline.

1. Cost of living payments for households receiving means-tested benefits

A number of cost of living payments were made this winter UK-wide, including a £400 payment for all households with a domestic electricity connection in Scotland and Wales.

The Welsh government have confirmed that winter fuel payments worth £200 for people on benefits would not be offered from April. However, it said it would put an extra £18.8m into its discretionary assistance fund, which provides help for people who find themselves in financial hardship.

Scotland announced that a £20 million fund that was earmarked for independence referendum will now be invested in a fuel security fund.

2. Benefits to go up

All devolved benefits for those of working age and disability benefits will increase in April 2023 in line with inflation.

This means that they will rise by the previous September’s inflation figure, which is 10.1%. 

However, the Scottish Child Payment will remain at the current rate.

3. National Living Wage

From 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage (NLW), which is the minimum pay rate for those aged 23 and above, will increase by 9.7% to £10.42 an hour. Rates will also be increased for people aged 21-22 by 10.9% to £10.18 an hour, for those aged 18-20 by 9.7% to £7.49 an hour, for those aged 16-17 by 9.7% to £5.28 an hour, and for apprentices by 9.7% to £5.28 an hour. There will be a £10.90 real living wage uplift for social care workers across Scotland and Wales.

In Scotland the threshold for the 41p higher rate will remain frozen at £43,663 - lower than the £50,271 elsewhere in the UK. The top rate of tax threshold will also be lowered from £150,000 to £125,140 and the rate will rise from 46p to 47p in the pound.

In Wales ministers ruled out raising income tax at this time. In Scotland local government will get freedom to set its own rates of income tax.

We have a number of welfare grants available to help support people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their families through challenging times. Find out more here.

In Scotland you can find information on help for households here.

In Wales you can find information on help with the cost of living here.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives - and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.