For a government whose political leaders are supposed to be trusted with the  economy, the economic situation is chaotic causing many people to suffer, says Northumberland Labour.

Deputy Leader Liz Simpson says: “It’s very frustrating seeing this government bumble its way from one economic crisis to another. We’re told they are the people who people trust with the economy; I believe that trust is eroding at an alarming rate at the moment.

“Labour asked for a windfall tax to help people with their energy bills; the Tories resisted it, then adopted a windfall tax by any other name. The Chancellor couldn’t bring himself to call it a windfall tax. Meanwhile people are having seriously difficulty paying their bills; talk about fiddling while Rome burns.

“The government is currently checking whether the paltry 5p cut in fuel duty is being passed on to drivers. Clearly they can’t see the exponential rise in fuel and that 5p is just being lost in the staggering prices we’re seeing.

“Just to add insult to injury the government has just announced it will be withdrawing free school meals support over the summer. The after effects of Covid and cost of living hikes are plunging people into poverty. It’s absolutely shameful that so many people have to rely on food banks in a modern, rich country in 2022. On every level the government has failed and let down the people it’s supposed to be serving.

“They have no long terms plan to help people who simply want to have a decent life. The PM wants to cut taxes but the Tories have imposed the highest taxes on the British people in a generation; it’s just saying one thing and doing another.

“Labour has practical plans to get the country moving again with more being made, bought and sold in Britain.

“People deserve better; a government which is on their side which is what a Labour government would be.”