Cutting costs and supporting local families

Last week in my column, I wrote about the importance of patience in politics and how real change often takes time. But while long-term change matters, people also rightly want to see practical improvements in their everyday lives now.

That is why I believe this government really is getting on with the job.

After years where families felt squeezed from every direction, there are finally signs that things are beginning to move in the right direction. Inflation has continued to fall, helping ease pressure on household budgets after the huge rises in prices people experienced over recent years. I know many families across High Peak are still feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis every time they do the weekly shop, fill up the car or pay the bills, but bringing inflation down is an important step towards greater economic stability and lower pressure on working households.

Alongside this, the government has recently announced further support for drivers, businesses and working people through changes to transport and fuel taxes.

For haulage companies, businesses and farmers that rely heavily on transport, we have made changes that will save them money. For farmers we have cut red duty from the 15^th of June, keeping money in farmers pockets something that has been raised with me frequently. And for our haulage companies here in High Peak from Lomas in Buxton to Somerset in Chapel we have introduced a HGV road tax holiday – providing further support to the locusts and haulage sector. Our Labour government also has delayed the fuel duty rise until December.

Here in High Peak, these changes matter. We are a rural constituency where many people rely on their cars every single day, whether that is travelling to work, getting children to school, visiting family or running a business. Many local employers also depend on transport and logistics, so measures that help reduce costs can have a wider positive effect across the local economy too. And for people nationally these measures should keep inflation down – lowering costs for everyone.

The government has also announced the new Great British Summer Savings initiative to help families through the school holidays.

As any parent, grandparent or carer knows, the six-week summer break can put huge pressure on family finances. Keeping children entertained is important, but activities, transport, cinema trips and days out can quickly become expensive. I regularly speak to parents across High Peak who worry about how they are going to manage the extra costs that come with the holidays.

That is why I was so pleased to see plans to provide free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 over the summer period, helping families travel more affordably while also making it easier for young people to stay connected with friends, activities and opportunities.

Alongside this, taxes on a range of leisure activities and attractions are being reduced to help lower the cost of family days out and encourage more people to support local venues and businesses over the summer.

I know how difficult it can be trying to balance household budgets while still wanting to give children enjoyable experiences and quality time together as a family. Hopefully these measures will make a real difference to families here in High Peak.

Of course, there is still more work to do. Many people are still feeling the effects of years of economic instability and stretched public services. But these are practical steps designed to put money back into people’s pockets, support businesses and help working families.