Kate Osborne MP: My Advice Roadshows will provide residents support and guidance in tackling the cost of living crisis
Over the past few years, one issue has consistently dominated conversations on the doorstep, in community centres, and in emails and calls to my office – the cost of living.
While inflation has fallen from the record highs we experienced under the previous government, many families across the Jarrow and Gateshead East constituency are still struggling to make ends meet.
In the meantime, Donald Trump has launched his disastrous and illegal war on Iran, which is pushing up the price of essentials across the board. Household budgets are increasingly stretched, and many families continue to face difficult choices about how they spend their money.
That is why I am holding two Advice Roadshows in the Jarrow and Gateshead East constituency on Thursday, June 11, bringing together organisations, charities and advice providers to offer support, guidance and practical help to local residents.
The roadshows will take place from 2pm to 3.30pm in Gateshead and from 5pm to 6.30pm in South Tyneside, and are open to all constituents across Jarrow and Gateshead East.
Residents will be able to receive advice on a wide range of issues including housing, welfare benefits, education, energy bills, health and social care, support for carers, veterans' services and much more.
As your Member of Parliament, I’m contacted every day by people who are worried about their finances and unsure where to turn. My team and I regularly help residents facing threats of homelessness, rent arrears, problems accessing benefits, difficulties with energy providers, and many other challenges.
Often people do not realise what support is available to them until they speak to someone who can point them in the right direction. Sometimes a conversation lasting just a few minutes can make a huge difference to their lives.
I also want to recognise the incredible work being carried out on a daily basis by volunteers, charities, community groups and local organisations across our area.
Time and again, we see people going above and beyond to support neighbours who are struggling. Their compassion and dedication help hold communities together during these difficult times.
While there remains much more to do, this Labour Government has introduced a number of measures to help working families and tackle poverty in this area and the rest of the country.
One of the most significant changes is the removal of the two-child limit, a policy that is expected to lift around 450,000 children out of poverty.
Every child deserves the best possible start in life, regardless of their family's circumstances, and this change represents a major step forward.
Workers are also benefiting from strengthened employment rights, with Statutory Sick Pay, paternity leave and unpaid parental leave rights now available from day one of employment through measures contained in Labour's Employment Rights Act.
For millions of people who rely on regular medication, prescription charges have also been frozen for a second consecutive year, helping keep healthcare affordable.
Passengers across England are benefiting from the first rail fare freeze in three decades, helping commuters and families who depend on public transport.
There has also been a welcome increase in both the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage, providing a pay rise for around 2.7 million workers.
For many households, this will mean hundreds of pounds extra in their pockets over the course of the year.
Recognising the ongoing pressure of energy costs, this Government has also introduced Energy Bill Support worth an average of £117 a year per household, alongside the Warm Home Discount for millions of lower-income households.
In addition, a new £1billion-a-year Crisis and Resilience Fund has been launched to provide cash-first crisis payments and housing support for people facing financial emergencies.
These measures will make a real difference to many families, but I know that for some people the financial pressures remain very real.
Rising petrol and diesel prices, higher household bills and ongoing financial uncertainty continue to affect many residents.
That is why events like these advice roadshows are so important. They provide an opportunity for people to speak directly with organisations that can help, ask questions, access support and learn about services they may not have known existed.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please do come along. To sign up, please scan the attached QR code, or visit shorturl.at/74MAF
Whether you need specific advice, information about available support, or simply want to find out what help may be available, you will be very welcome.
My team and I are committed to helping residents navigate difficult circumstances and ensuring that nobody feels they have to face these challenges alone.
I look forward to as many people as possible attending the roadshows as we continue to work together to support our communities.
Please contact kate.osborne.mp@parliament if you need any help or support.