This week we have seen the return of sleet, hail and very low temperatures. Our pensioners have been punished by this Labour Government through the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance. It is shocking that a party that previously scare-mongered about the Conservatives taking the allowance away should remove it at the first opportunity. While some pensioners in Westminster clearly don’t need the allowance, there are many who are in desperately in need, and it should be restored for them.
Parents also face a significant financial hit with nursery fees set to soar by 10 per cent in the wake of Rachel Reeves’ Jobs Tax. The National Day Nurseries Associationconducted a survey of more than 700 nurseries with 96 per cent saying they would increase fees to parents, by an average of 10 per cent.
And the British Retail Consortium warn that food prices are set to rise by 4 per cent in the latter half of 2025. The BRC said: "We expect food prices to be over 4 per cent up by the second half of the year. If Government wants to keep inflation at bay, enable retailers to focus on growth, and help households, it must mitigate the swathe of costs facing the industry."
Based on employment cost increases, Care England has indicated that care home fees could rise by over £3,000 a year.
And all this while Westminster City Labour increased their Cabinet Member allowances by 45%. Meanwhile, our neighbouring council, Conservative-led Kensington & Chelsea, is offering support to around 15,000 residents on low incomes with a one-off £50 support payment in Spring this year to help with the rising cost-of-living.
In a little over a year you will have a chance to vote for change locally. Your views matter and we want to hear from you. Share your feedback and examples of Labour waste and inefficiency with us.
PS We are here for you and your views matter. Please get in touch, especially where you feel the Labour-led council is not delivering the services you would expect.
