Cost-of-living worries are understandably at the forefront of constituents’ minds and so, in this month’s article, it’s important to acknowledge the concerns of so many across the country, and look at how the Government has acted to help both constituents and local businesses.

I would like to assure readers that I absolutely recognise concerns about these pressing issues and so I welcome announcements made by the Chancellor in the Government’s Growth Plan; a proposal of ambitious measures designed to release the growth potential in the British economy, back businesses and, vitally, put more money back in peoples’ pockets, particularly those in lower income households.  

I am pleased to see that the Government is upholding its commitment to support households with their domestic energy costs through the Energy Price Scheme, and really importantly, is also introducing measures to help businesses through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. This will come as a welcome relief to business owners across the constituency, who I know had real concerns about the future of their business and the impact of the rise in wholesale gas we have been seeing across Europe.  

With this in mind, however, we are starting to see a reduction in wholesale prices for gas and electricity, and a fall in oil prices, which is a step towards lifting the burden many are carrying as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Already residents are noticing a reduction in fuel costs at the petrol pumps, which I hope will continue to fall.   

Looking towards other matters, the new Levelling Up Secretary has made some encouraging announcements about planning reforms that will benefit communities. I understand that further detail will be made available in due course, but essentially the measures are set to strengthen local discretion around planning applications, giving a more influential voice to residents who know what their area needs and what it does not. This should also allow for greater consideration on environmental matters. I look forward to hearing more in the coming weeks.

First published: My Local News, October 2022