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Cost-of-Living Crisis
Cost-of-Living Crisis
The cost-of-living crisis is hitting families hard across the country, and here in Newbury, I’ve seen first-hand the strain it’s putting on our communities. From skyrocketing energy bills to the rising cost of groceries, people are being forced to make impossible choices between heating their homes or putting food on the table. This is unacceptable, and it’s why I’m committed to taking action both locally and in Parliament to fight for the support our families need.
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I’ve been meeting with local charities and organisations who are on the front lines of this crisis, such as West Berkshire Foodbank, The Community Larder, The Soup Kitchen, TUXChange, McCann's, and Citizens Advice. Their volunteers are doing incredible work to support people through these tough times, but they can only do so much. That’s why I’m pushing for greater government support to ensure that no one in our community is left behind. At a recent visit to the foodbank, I heard heart-wrenching stories from families who have never needed support before, but now rely on food parcels to get by.
One key area is fighting for free school meals to be extended during holiday periods for children from low-income families. No child should go hungry just because school is closed. I’ve been working with local schools and organisations to push for children in Newbury and West Berkshire to have access to healthy meals all year round.
I’ve also taken part in drop-in sessions at Parliament, meeting with organisations that support people facing financial hardship. It’s clear from these discussions that we need more than just short-term fixes; we need systemic changes to help lift people out of poverty. This includes advocating for a real living wage, fair energy prices, and so much more.
The government’s inaction is failing hardworking families, and I won’t stand by and let that happen. As your MP, I’m dedicated to being a voice for those struggling to make ends meet, and I’ll continue to push for policies that deliver real help to our community.
You can find information on all the support that is available both locally and nationally to help with the cost-of-living crisis on my resources page.
If you’re experiencing difficulties or would like to share your story, please get in touch at lee.dillon.mp@parliament.uk