Hello. In the time since my last community email we have witnessed the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I know many of us were deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty. Her exceptional and unparalleled record of public service has been an inspiration to millions of people across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the whole world. She was a figure of calm and stability, providing wisdom and thoughtful leadership in an often-turbulent world.
I offer my sincere condolences to the Royal Family as they emerge from their period of Royal Mourning and particularly to King Charles III.
God Save the King.
I know many people are concerned about the cost of living at the moment. So far, the Government has provided £37bn of support including a grant of £400 to every household in October, on top of this households in receipt of means tested benefits will receive an additional £650, all households in council tax bands A-D will receive an additional £150 payment, those receiving the winter fuel allowance will receive a further £300, and those on disability benefits will receive another payment of £150.
Further support has been announced in the statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, including the capping of domestic energy so that average bills are £2500 a year, and a new package of support for businesses, details of which are available
here.
The Government has also cut fuel duty by 5%, increased the National Insurance Threshold and abandoned the National Insurance contribution rate, cut the Universal Credit Taper Rate, and raised the national living wage. The basic rate of income tax has also been cut from 20% to 19%.
I recognise many people may need further support over the coming winter and I am committed to ensuring that the new Prime Minister puts those most at risk in Wimbledon and around the UK at the heart of their programme for Government and provides the necessary support to those in need.
If there is anything you wish to contact me about my details are available
here.