Rising energy costs are significantly increasing the pressure on household finances. Citizens Advice Newcastle have contacted me regarding the level of fuel poverty in East Newcastle. I am strongly concerned that more than 1 in 7 people in our constituency are unable to pay their energy bills without cutting back on essential spending. Moreover, 5% of those in East Newcastle are unable to pay their bills even after cutting back on essential spending.

The Chancellor’s October energy loan scheme is incapable of dealing with the scale of the problem. I support Citizens Advice Newcastle in calling on the Chancellor to provide additional support for people on the lowest incomes by bringing the annual benefit uprating in line with current inflation.