Far from levelling up and improving the lot of people and families in the country, the Tory government is leaving people feeling genuinely concerned about how they will afford to live, says Northumberland Labour.

Rising energy, food, fuel and housing prices, coupled with higher taxes mean many individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet. Northumberland Labour says the legacy of this government is one of making people poorer; now many people depend on foodbanks and benefits and four million children are living in poverty.

Lynne Grimshaw said: “The Tories’ record is shameful, especially when you think we are living in a rich country.  There were very few food banks until the Tories came to power. Now even people in work are relying on them and government benefits. We say pay people properly and reward them for the work they do.

“It seems a few very rich people have got even richer and many individuals and families are faced with wondering how they’re going to put a meal on the table or keep a roof over their head.

“But it doesn’t need to be this way. Talk to most people and they’ll say they’d like a decent home, affordable food and energy and to be able to pay their own way with a decent job.

“Labour is committed to making this a reality. We’re committed to making sure young people have the skills they need to take up good jobs. We also want to make sure there are enough energy-efficient, affordable homes for people.

“The Tories don’t seem to appreciate that if you pay people properly for the work they do, rather than chipping away at people’s employment terms and conditions, failing to protect people against rising rents, energy, fuel and food costs, they are able to pay their own way and therefore contribute more to society.

“Where we are as a nation now is a choice which has been made by the Tories. Since they’ve been in power they’ve effectively turned their back on the people they are supposed to be serving. This has to change and it can change under Labour.”