Families are facing difficult weeks and months ahead as rising inflation continues to hit budgets. We all know the conflict in Ukraine combined with the world economy grinding back into gear post-pandemic has driven energy prices to historic highs.

But this week brings some much-needed respite for 30 million people. The National Insurance threshold – the point at which those in work begin to make contributions from their earnings - will increase from £9,980 to £12,570 from Thursday morning. In effect, this will provide a real-terms tax cut of up to £300 for around 70% of British workers. 

For 2 million of those in work on the lowest incomes, this change will pull them out of NI contributions entirely, enabling more people to keep more of their wage in their pocket. The NI cut also comes alongside a package of support for cost of living measures already committed by Government, worth £37bn.

Households in Shropshire are already getting Council Tax rebates. Those earning the National Living Wage are receiving the biggest wage increase since it began, worth £1,200 per person. In the autumn, families will receive a £400 Energy Bill Rebate ahead of the colder winter months.

The Government have also harnessed the welfare system to provide support to the most vulnerable by cutting the Universal Credit Taper rate, helping 1 million families get a further £1,000.

We should be under no illusions however, that the Government can fully mitigate the effects of global inflation. We must all come to terms with higher fuel costs, weekly shopping bills and energy tariffs for the foreseeable future.

This is why I called on the Government in a speech in the Commons this week to do more, in particular to help encourage greater energy efficiency so the cost of heating houses can be cut. I have also pointed out that the welcome 5p cut in fuel duty has been more than offset by the rising cost of VAT on fuel, which needs to come down to bring down costs at the petrol pump. In rural South Shropshire, most families have no option but to use their own vehicle to get around.

It is equally critical that support reaches all of those who need it. I have raised with Ministers the case of residents of park homes who are not currently eligible for the Energy Bill Rebate Scheme. I am pleased to say that the Government are reviewing the outcomes of a consultation on the scheme and will look to deliver an equivalent support mechanism in the Autumn.

The second half of the year will be challenging for us all, but I will continue to urge the Government to provide support where they can.