How new measures will support families and empower youth

AS your local Member of Parliament, I am keen to ensure that Loughborough residents are getting the support they need from the government.

Therefore, it is encouraging there have been a series of new measures that are set to benefit people across our community.

I would like to outline some of the key measures here.

Firstly, the National Living Wage has received a substantial boost, rising from £10.42 an hour to £11.44.

The increase equates to an additional £1,800 annually. Previously, 21 to 22-year-olds received a lower National Living Wage than those over 22. As of April this year, this has changed, and everyone who is over the age of 21 now will receive £11.44 an hour.

Next, some households in Loughborough stand to save an average of £238 per year thanks to a drop in energy bills, introduced by Ofgem.

This reduction of 12.3 per cent since the previous quarter brings energy prices to their lowest point since February 2022.

In addition, the government has implemented an increase to the Local Housing Allowance, benefiting families in our community who rely upon Universal Credit or housing benefit.

This change means that these households will receive an average of £800 more annually, providing support to those who need it most.

For families with young children, I am sure that the rollout of 15 hours of free childcare is particularly welcome news.

This is set to save working parents in Loughborough an average of £3,450 annually. This saving will help to support parents to stay in work if they want to, which helps support our local economy.

More news for young people - the government is committed to fully funding apprenticeships for young people in small businesses, covering the entire cost of training for individuals up to the age of 21 – absolutely great news.

I have met with many apprentices during my time as MP for Loughborough and they always tell me how invaluable the on-the-job training they receive is and how rewarding it is to be receiving a salary for doing it.

The government continues to prioritise support for young people through initiatives such as the Youth Offer program. The program has seen over a million 16 to 24-yearolds nationally taking up support, helping to reduce youth unemployment rates and equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in the workforce.

The Youth Offer is now being expanded to include an additional 30,000 economically inactive young people.

By providing access to sectorbased work academies, traineeships, work experience and apprenticeships, the Youth Offer empowers young people in Loughborough to pursue fulfilling career paths.

If this sounds like something you might benefit from, have a look at whether you are eligible on the government website.

Or if you would like further information on cost of living support, you can find it on the government website https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living,

If you have any queries, or if you have an issue that I could help with, please get in touch.

Some households in Loughborough stand to save an average of £238 per year thanks to a drop in energy bills.

Jane Hunt, pictured