Jon Pearce MP for High Peak

4 days ago

Whether I’m in the supermarket, walking my dogs or knocking on doors, one issue comes up above all others – the cost of living.

People are playing by the rules, but still struggling and rightly frustrated after years where our economy has failed working people.

That’s why ensuring you get more money in your pocket at the end of each month is our top priority.

It’s not easy to reverse 14 years of decline in 18 months, but as outlined in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement last week, the decisions we have taken are starting to make things better for people.

This year, we’ve slashed £150 from energy bills – with those eligible for the Warm Homes Discount set to receive a further £150 automatically.

We’ve frozen rail fares for the first time in three decades – meaning a Glossop–Manchester season ticket will be £88 cheaper than expected.

Prescription charges are also being frozen for the second year in a row.

Pensioners will see the state pension rise by over £550 a year in April. Working parents are now eligible for 30 hours of free childcare – saving families up to £7,500 per child every year.

Low-paid workers will see their wages rise. In April, the National Living Wage will increase pay by nearly £1,000 per year for those working full-time – benefitting around 1,000 employees here in High Peak.

Never forget that Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-budget sent interest rates soaring, leaving many local families struggling to pay their mortgage.

Because we’re reducing government borrowing, interest rates have been cut six times since the general election, meaning the average mortgage cost in High Peak is £1,670 lower.

I have always said judge me and this government at the next election on whether you feel better off. And last week it was announced that families are set to be over £1,000 a year better off in real-terms by 2029.

Being responsible with public finances is allowing us to invest in Britain’s crumbling infrastructure and decaying public services after years of Tory neglect. That’s also how we will secure long-term economic growth by improving productivity and getting everyone who can work off NHS waiting lists and sickness benefits contributing to the economy.

Progress is evident here in High Peak.

Transport across our region is receiving £2bn in investment. Northern Powerhouse Rail will make it easier for High Peak residents to get about, with the Hope Valley Line benefitting from major upgrades. We have also secured £7.6m of investment to improve road safety on Snake Pass. I just wish the Reform-led Council would sort out our potholes.

The NHS is turning a corner too. Since this Government was elected, waiting lists are down by 320,000 – with 86,000 falling in November alone. The biggest single month drop in a decade.

With the highest levels of public investment in national infrastructure for four decades, real improvements to vital public services and action to tackle the cost of living, we’re delivering the change High Peak voted for when you elected me. ... See MoreSee Less