In recent months, across the UK, millions of families have been struggling to make ends meet.

Basic necessities like putting food on the table each day, having a warm home, or putting fuel in the car to get around, have all become too expensive, too quickly – leaving many wondering how they will make it to their next payday.

This is often referred to as the ‘cost of living crisis’, but for most, it feels like more than that. It feels like not having enough for you and your family to live off.

Unfortunately, Barnsley is no exception to this rule, and I am sadly aware of how many people locally are feeling the pinch, and how much worry this is causing.

Indeed, according to new statistics from 38 Degrees, the majority of Barnsley East residents have already been impacted by the crisis with 89% experiencing more expensive groceries, 61% facing increased transport costs, and 80% seeing an increase to their fuel costs.

This has only been made worse by the recent increase in energy bills, which will see the typical family paying £1,971 per year for gas and electricity – an increase of nearly £700 since last year.

With inflation forecast to hit 7.4% this year, the highest rate in 30 years, it seems these hard times are only set to get harder.

For months, I have been calling on the Government to act against this crisis.

In November last year, I warned Ministers in Parliament that the Government’s economic plans would leave people in Barnsley worse off. They refused to listen.

In January, I wrote to the Chancellor asking him to take urgent steps to support families here before this crisis got out of hand. He ignored my letter.

A few weeks ago, the Chancellor had yet another chance to put this right as he set out his plans for the economy in his Spring Statement.

However, rather than introducing measures to help working families, he instead confirmed a plan that contained a total of £24 billion in tax rises.

This simply isn’t good enough.

If Labour were in Government, we would immediately halt the planned rise to National Insurance, and reduce gas and electricity bills through a one-off Windfall tax on oil companies.

This plan would save households £200 on their energy bills, with an extra £400 for those who need it most.

Labour would tax fairly, spend wisely, and grow our economy so that people in Barnsley don’t have to face the worries they are now.

Whilst the Tories pretend these problems don’t exist, Labour are ready to take action.

If you are being impacted by the cost of living crisis and would like to tell me more about how it is affecting you or your family, please fill in my survey below, and I will continue to raise these concerns in Parliament: https://www.stephaniepeacock.org.uk/survey-rising-cost-of-living/