Derek has spoken out in Westminster about the rise in the cost of living, the top issue in his constituency drop-ins.
Derek was the only Conservative backbencher to speak in a debate in Westminster Hall about the rising cost of living. He described it as a “worthwhile and timely debate”, adding that “the Government must do what they can to mitigate increasing living costs, particularly for low and fixed-income families”.
Derek spoke up after hearing from many people in his constituency for whom rising prices are a cause of anxiety and difficulty, especially pensioners whose costs are outrunning their income. This is an issue that he had heard about in his regular drop-ins, where he visits different parts of the constituency and finds out which issues are affecting people most.
Derek’s speech focused on the cost of housing and energy, two of the biggest items in every household’s bills and particularly difficult to manage in Cornwall.
On housing, Derek said:
“Rent costs have rocketed over the past couple of years—an issue that I raised in this Chamber last month. It is really important that the Government look at how we can manage and protect housing supply, particularly in places such as Cornwall.
“In view of the rising costs of housing, Cornish MPs are arguing in favour of protecting new buildings for permanent residents only, which will help to protect those homes for local need. I agree that we need to look at every tool available [including social housing] to ensure that people have secure homes for life that they can feel safe in.”
On energy, Derek said:
“There must be targeted and effective help for the families I have referred to, the pensioners, people on fixed incomes and low-income households.
“Ultimately the Government must find an effective way to improve the efficiency of homes for low income families to ensure that energy is not wasted.”
In his reply, the Minister for Welfare Delivery at the DWP, David Rutley MP, told Derek that the Government is actively working on the best way to build on the existing support available to help with the current cost-of-living challenges.
Derek says:
“Debates like this are one way in which I can keep pressure on the government to help with the cost of living.
“I shall continue to press the government to provide properly targeted cash support for those who need it whenever I can.”
