The last few months have clearly been a very difficult time, both in terms of what has happened politically and then, more broadly, many people locally have been hit by energy price increases, inflation and the cost of living following the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
I know that some members of our community are feeling real pressure on household budgets, particularly for families, pensioners or those on fixed increases. To help with this, the Government has announced a significant amount of support in recent months; support for everyone with the cost of energy (along with additional amounts for those who may be hit the most) and then confirmation that the triple lock will be retained in the coming year for older people. There are also a number of discretionary support funds available for those who are in particularly difficulties.
Politically, I know it has been a very volatile time nationally in recent months, but hope that you can see that Rishi Sunak is starting to move things in the right direction again. In North East Derbyshire, working with your local Conservative Councils, we will keep doing what we always try to; to improve things for local residents, to provide good quality services and to try to deal with problems as they arise.
And, nationally and when I'm down in Westminster, I will keep pushing for the things that you tell me are important: to get control of immigration, to stop the boats as soon as possible, to improve efficiency in Government and to continue to push for North East Derbyshire's fair share.
