Northumberland Labour says the government must act now to address the hike in the cost of living.

Rising energy, fuel and food prices are putting a strain on many individuals and families.

Leader Scott Dickinson said: “Far from working for everyone, this government is working for a select few who seem to get richer by the minute and are insulated from the cost of living rises so many of us are seeing.

“You only have to look at the petrol pump, your fuel bill or your food shopping receipt to see that costs are rising at an alarming rate. We want the government to act, and act now, to address this.

“It’s alarming to think that, by 2026/27 the average household will be paying £3,000 more tax a year than they were when Boris Johnson became Prime Minister.

“Labour wants to see the Warm Homes Discount extended to a further 9.3 million homes, but we also need to see long term measures such as making sure homes are well insulated and cheaper to run. This will save people money and help climate change.

“We also want to raise money through a windfall tax from North Sea oil and gas producers who are profiting from the rise in energy costs.

“The solution will be a number of short and long term measures but this downward spiral has got to end and the government should be leading this reversal.”