I entirely understand the anxiety many people have over rising prices and inflation and I should like to reassure you that the Government recognises these concerns and will continue to listen and ensure that the policies in place do help those who need it most.

I have made my ministerial colleagues aware of my constituents' concerns and I strongly welcome the range of measures put in place, including the new three-part plan to help households with their energy bills during this challenging period.

Several external factors have driven inflationary pressures. In particular, shortages created by the reanimation of the global economy and global energy price spikes brought on by the inability of supply to keep up with demand. This has been particularly acute when it comes to the price of wholesale gas.

A rise in the National Living Wage will mean an extra £1,000 in the pockets of millions of people. The Government has also cut the Universal Credit taper rate and increased work allowances - which represent an effective tax cut for low income working households in receipt of UC worth £2.2 billion in 2022-23.

Furthermore, broad changes to the tax system are benefitting 31 million workers and mean that the first £12,500 a person earns will be completely tax-free and money has been made available to councils to distribute as hardship funds..

I will be working with my Parliamentary colleagues to ensure the Government continues to help ordinary households in South Leicestershire, as well as well as the wider country, as our economy continues to recover from the shock of Coronavirus.