Ogmore MS Huw Irranca-Davies bout s

Speaks about price rises causing a cost-of-living ving crisis

THE perfect storm has arrived. It has become unfathomable for too many of us, why we are able to continue living in a society that punishes those in lower income households. Inflation has leaped to 5.4%, its highest level in 30 years and the Bank of England expects it to rise further still. Stagnated wages, booming energy bills, universal credit cut and the hike to national insurance, just to name a few, are a recipe for a cost-of-living crisis.

Close to 300,000 children will bear the brunt of the harsh reality the UK Government’s policies are inflicting on the country.

The British public could see an increase of £500 to their energy bills compared to October 2020, doubling the national average since last winter. This will hit the poorest in society the hardest and will undoubtedly affect their livelihoods and mental and physical well-being. Citizens Advice in Wales tell us that there has already been a 17% increase in people seeking help for debt. It is so crucial that we tackle the blinding issues affecting this country and what the UK Chancellor must now understand, is that he must start acting decisively before people freeze in their homes or go hungry. Many of the levers are in the hands of the UK Government.

Some food costs have seen an exponential rise. Chicken has risen 10.3%, steak has risen 12.5%, tomatoes 8.1%, margarine 31.1%, beef 4.9%, spreadable butter 10.9%, and the list goes on. It is unjust to continue forcing people to pay increased prices on their foods without giving them the means to match the increase.

Purchasing foods will now become a tough decision for many, especially those with families, deciding whether the parents can eat or whether the children can eat.

There are decisions we can make and provisions we can provide to help those who need it. We must oppose decisions that actively hurt and damage constituents.

This is why I’m pleased to have seen the Welsh Government’s decision to provide a winter fuel payment of £100 to help cover winter energy bills, why I’m pleased to see community pantries open up as a genuine, affordable, alternative way of purchasing foods.

Another welcomed announcement is Labour BCBC’s plans to freeze council tax giving local residents that bit more in their back pocket on the back of a record 9.2% funding from Welsh Government.

We must still however do more to ensure no one faces hardships that are at no fault of their own.