New measures to ease cost of living come into force today
Today marks an important moment for families across Blackpool South and the country, as a raft of new measures introduced by the Labour government comes into force, delivering real, tangible support to help people with the cost of living.
Wages are going up, bills are coming down and there’s more support for those who need it most in Blackpool South.
The National Living Wage rises to £12.71 an hour, delivering a pay boost worth around £900 a year for some of the lowest-paid workers – around 2.4 million nationally. Alongside this the National Minimum Wage increases to £10.85, benefiting more than 200,000 young workers nationwide with an average £1,500 annual uplift. This is about making work pay and ensuring that hard work is properly rewarded.
My jobs fair in February – securing well paid work for local people is a key mission for me as MP
Households will also see relief on energy bills, with an average saving of £150 a year locked in until the end of June. This support comes in addition to the £150 Warm Homes Discount available to eligible households, helping to ensure that families can stay warm without facing financial hardship.
We are also strengthening the safety net for those most in need. The new Crisis & Resilience Fund, backed by £1 billion in funding, will empower local councils to provide direct financial support to vulnerable households. This means help will be available quickly and locally when people face unexpected difficulties.
I recently held an emergency Cost of Living Summit with key charities and stakeholders across the town
Healthcare costs are another area where families will see immediate benefit. Prescription prices are being frozen, ensuring that no one pays more than £10 for their medicines – a simple but important step to make sure people can access the care they need without worrying about rising costs.
Rail fares are also being frozen across the country, saving regular passengers around £315 a year, make a real difference to our household budgets.
Crucially, we are taking action to reduce child poverty. The removal of the two-child cap means eligible families will now receive Universal Credit support for all their children, regardless of family size. This change alone is expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty.
Support for families continues with expanded childcare provision. Eligible working parents can now access 30 hours of free childcare from nine months old, saving up to £7,500 a year. Alongside this, free breakfast clubs are being rolled out to every primary school, helping families save up to £450 annually while ensuring children start the day ready to learn.
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Taken together, these measures represent a comprehensive plan to tackle the cost of living – raising wages, cutting bills and expanding support where it is needed most.
I know that challenges remain and there is more work to do. But today’s changes are a clear step in the right direction for Blackpool South. My priority will always be to ensure that our community gets the support it deserves and I will continue to work every day to deliver for local people.
Together, we are building a fairer, more secure future and building a better Blackpool.
