Bridget Phillipson MP: Labour is doing things differently to give people more breathing space and bring back hope
I know just how important tackling the cost of living is to people across Sunderland.
Residents want to see lower prices, cuts to bills and more money in their pockets.
In July, I was pleased that our new Prime Minister stepped out onto Downing Street and pledged that the cost of living would run through the veins of this government, with every decision tested against it.
Since then, the Labour government has taken bold, decisive steps to deliver on that promise.
We have taken rapid action to abolish VAT on your energy bills to give people breathing space this winter by knocking £45 off the annual energy price cap.
We have delivered a 20% cut in business rates for the pubs, clubs and live music venues which form the backbone of our high streets and our communities. Supporting 30,000 venues across the country and paying for it fairly - including through reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make positive contributions to local communities, such as vape shops.
We have capped bus tickets at £2 helping millions of people access affordable bus travel, supporting access to work, education, healthcare and leisure.
We have delivered a historic social housebuilding comeback to help families in Sunderland into secure homes. With 3,400 homes to be built across the North East, backed by £445m of funding.
And we have launched a national drive to end rough sleeping and get everyone in for Christmas. With a boosted £442m package, new accommodation and support will be rolled out across England so that everyone in our community has the security of a roof over their head.
All of this on top of the existing measures like increasing the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, delivering 30 hours of funded childcare, free breakfast clubs for primary school children, and removal of the two-child limit.
We are taking immediate action to tackle rip-off Britain and bring down the cost of essentials.
I am proud of the progress that we have made but I know that people need more. I promise that I will continue to do everything I can to make yours and your family’s lives better.
The Labour government is getting on with delivering for communities like ours. We’re doing things differently to give people more breathing space and bring back hope.