Newcastle North MP and Shadow Treasury Minister, Catherine McKinnell, has launched a cost of living survey for her constituents ahead of this week’s Autumn Statement.

Figures show that prices have risen faster than wages in 40 out of the last 41 months since the General Election, with average earnings falling in real terms in every region and nation of the UK under the current Government. In the North East, real average earnings fell by 5.8% – or £1,201 a year – between 2010 and 2012 alone.

Catherine said:

‘Almost every constituent I speak with raises their concerns about the cost of living, and the fact their income is increasingly stretched as the cost of household essentials continues to go up and up.

‘Whilst economic recovery finally appears to be underway, I’m really concerned that this is yet to touch the lives of the majority of people in Newcastle North. Any recovery must not only be balanced and built to last, but must benefit every corner of the country and particularly communities here in the North East.

‘The Chancellor is under real pressure to deliver decisive action in his Autumn Statement this week to support people with their cost of living now – not next year, or beyond – whether on energy prices, housing, childcare costs or making work pay for those on lower incomes.

‘I want to hear from my constituents about how this cost of living crisis is affecting their daily lives, and I’d therefore urge them to complete my survey.’

Catherine’s cost of living survey can be viewed on her website at: http://www.catherinemckinnell.co.uk/cost-of-living-survey/