Figures released today show a deepening cost of living crisis for families as inflation rose to 5.4%, the highest for nearly 30 years with food, energy and clothing price increases hitting family finances.

Responding to the figures, Catherine commented:

“Families are really struggling and figures today show that it is only likely to get worse, especially with a looming Tory tax rise and the increased fuel cap coming in April.

“The Government is sitting idly by – too busy partying in Downing Street and covering up for their Prime Minister – whilst hard working families across Newcastle North are struggling to meet the rising cost of living. They are shockingly out of touch and complacent.

“Labour would provide immediate support of £200 to families by scrapping VAT on household fuel, increasing and expanding the Warm Homes Discount to 9.3 million people, restore the Universal Credit uplift and scrap the Tory tax increase on hardworking families coming in in April”.