Cheshire MPs quizzed on the rising cost of living

As well as record-high fuel rises, soaring energy bills, April sees an increase in national insurance contributions, while the price to fill a shopping trolley is also costing more.

What exactly is increasing and why?

• From April energy bills will skyrocket after Ofgem raised the price cap by 54 per cent, meaning an average gas bill could top £2,000
• National Insurance will rise 1.25 per cent – hitting take home pay
• The rate of inflation continues to rise, with predictions it will soon be above six per cent – meaning a more expensive shopping bill, with any wage rises likely to be around and average three per cent
• Council tax rises of around three per cent with many authorites increasing spending on adult social care
• The cost of fuel has hit a new record high in March, impacting those who drive for both leisure and work

We asked our MPs about the rising cost of living was affecting their constituents and what they are planning to do about it.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury said those commuting to work were paying more while being paid less.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury

"National Insurance (NI) will go up by 1.25 per cent, and council tax will rise to the max to cover the black-hole left by Government cuts," he said.

"After work, Jane (an imaginary constituent) pops to the supermarket but putting food on the table for her family is becoming more expensive, with inflation as a whole predicted to soar to nine per cent.  

"Once home, she hesitates about whether to switch on the heating as analysts predict the annual average energy bill could top £3,000 later this year following a 54 per cent increase from April."

Mr Amesbury said his party would pause the NI hike, and seek to improve on the £200 loan Chancellor Rishi Sunak has imposed to help with energy bills as he called for greater taxes on North Sea oil and gas producers.

“Oil giant BP recently said it has ‘more cash than it knows what to do with’,” he added. “Well, I know what to do with it!”

Tatton MP Esther McVey said the increase in the cost of living is causing huge difficulties for countless families across the country, especially those on fixed incomes such as the retired.

Tatton MP Esther McVey

"It is essential the Government uses all the tools at its disposal to protect people from excessive price rises,” she said.

"Stopping the proposed National Insurance Contribution rise would be a good place to start.  

“I voted against this rise last year when it came before MPs in Parliament.

“It takes money out of the pockets of those who need it the most and businesses that are only just getting back on their feet.

"As a Conservative I believe in keeping taxes low so people can keep more of their own money which is essential at a time like this."

Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson CBE said he understood the anxiety rising prices is causing.

“I want to assure my constituents that the Government will continue to listen to their feedback,” he said.

“I am constantly relaying to ministers on this challenging shift in our country's economy – due in no small part to the pandemic; the energy markets; and now – sadly – the invasion of Ukraine. 

“The Government must – and will – ensure that the policies it has enacted in Westminster to help those in greatest need slice through the usual tiers of administration and regulation to reach their beneficiaries with speed and purpose. 

“The range of measures put in place – including the new three-part plan to help households with their energy bills during this challenging period – is timely, and definitely welcomed.”

Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson CBE

Mr Timpson also cited cashback on council tax as being one of the ways his Government was helping those who are most vulnerable.

"There will be a much-welcomed non-repayable £150 cash rebate in 2022-23 for homes in Council Tax bands A to D, funded by the Government and delivered through local authorities like Cheshire West and Chester.  

"It is expected the vast majority of people who pay by Direct Debit will receive this windfall in April."