With the rising energy, fuel and food prices locally and across the country, we know that people are working harder and paying more but getting less. Speaking to a local resident on Forest Drive we heard that they, and several of their neighbours, had been forced to turn to foodbanks for the first time this year to cope with the cost-of-living increases. Across Essex foodbanks say that increasing visitors and falling donations because of this crisis are becoming a worry. Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have done nothing to help.

Labour can help! Locally, we are doing all we can to donate to foodbanks and help our neighbours. Nationally, Labour’s plan will cut VAT on home energy bills putting money back in your pocket. Labour will insulate 19 million homes in the next decade, saving households £400 a year on their energy bills. Cutting small business rates will help businesses weather the cost-of-living storm.