Whether it's been meeting with families and businesses, lobbying Ministers, or delivering a copy of my Cost of Living Guide to all homes in our area, I've been keen to see the Government provide proper, efficient, worthwhile support to those who need it.
That's why I welcome the news that from today over eight million families will receive the first of three cost of living payments totalling £900 – with some families receiving £1,350 in support, including almost 11,500 families across our local area.
This support will be accompanied by a £150 payment for people on disability benefits and a £300 payment on top of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners at the end of 2023.
This builds on the Government's continued support with the cost of living over winter, paying for half of families' energy bills through a windfall tax on energy profits, as we work to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt.
There is more to do to reduce the overall cost of living, but today's payments and support represent tangible steps in achieving that.