In response to latest inflation figures, South Shropshire MP, Philip Dunne, says it is clear the government’s plan to tackle inflation is working.

Inflation in the year to October has fallen from a high of 10.7% to 4.6% – meeting the pledge the Prime Minister made in January to half inflation this year.

The figures complement latest independent unemployment statistics released yesterday, which show that the number of people claiming out of work benefits in South Shropshire has fallen by 25 compared with last month, and by 160 over the past year.

Mr Dunne said:

“Today’s inflation figures are the latest clear sign that the government’s economic plan is working.

“It is absolutely right that the government has had laser-like focus on bringing down inflation, since it hits all of society, and affects the worst off most. It is like an extra tax on the price of your food shop, your mortgage, or the size of your pension pot – which is why the Prime Minister made it his top priority to halve inflation.

“I am very pleased the Prime Minister has delivered on his pledge to halve inflation, and that we continue to see falling unemployment in South Shropshire. This is very welcome news for local families.”

Mr Dunne joined other Marches MPs this morning at a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt MP, ahead of next week’s Autumn Statement to press the case for Shropshire residents. Mr Dunne said:

“The Chancellor is listening to concerns of Shropshire people. I called for more help for small businesses, to keep bearing down on inflationary cost pressures. I also reinforced the need for HM Treasury to ensure agricultural support funding allocations remain available for farmers in the event of underspends.”