Three ways I will try to support you

AS the Tory Party leadership race reaches the finish line you could be forgiven for feeling a degree of exasperation.

What started out looking like a reasonable timetable (six weeks over the summer) now feels excessive set against the stark reality of spiralling energy prices and inflation. It is frustrating that I am unable to use this week’s column to give clear guidance on the help that is available (beyond that which has already been announced).

However, whoever emerges victorious next week has committed to an emergency announcement in the coming days and I have every expectation that this will be far-reaching.

There may be a legitimate debate to be had about the desirable extent of state intervention in the economy, but enabling people to heat their homes in winter is an imperative, especially for those who are on low or fixed incomes.

This is doubly so when the Government needs to maintain public support for its efforts in Ukraine. Be in no doubt, Putin’s ability to influence energy costs is a key plank in his military strategy and nothing would give him greater satisfaction than an exhausted Western alliance giving up in the spring.

There are three areas in which I will be trying to support my constituents over the month ahead.

First, I will be publishing on my website and across social detailed information on the Government support that is available and how households and businesses can access it. I believe by now that nearly every qualifying household has received their council tax rebate from West Berkshire Council. As you will be aware a further £400 relief off energy bills will be coming in October and debited from your bills by your energy supplier.

The most vulnerable households will also receive additional Cost of Living Payments. This includes

£650 for households on means tested benefits, £300 for pensioners in receipt of Winter Fuel Payment and

£150 for those in receipt of disability benefit. As soon as the Treasury makes its next announcement, I will publish it.

Second, I will work with local organisations to make constituents aware of the support that is available in their area.

Over the course of the summer I have met a number of local groups who are raising funds or preparing to launch schemes to help local families, like Hungerford Town & Manor and the Greenham Trust. As and when these are launched, I will publish details of how to apply and who is eligible. Third, I will be bringing together energy experts and local suppliers to draw together tips and best practice for managing heating and electricity costs during the winter months, covering everything from appliance use, home maintenance and insulation.

And of course, I will be continuing with my existing campaigns in Parliament to reduce fuel prices in West Berkshire (inexplicably higher than in surrounding areas) and childcare costs, on which I have been working for months.

I know that the next few months will be tough for every single household and business and I will do all I can to support my constituents through the winter.