James’ Weekly Column
As this year comes to an end, it is good news that latest figures show that inflation has more than halved from over 11 per cent to 3.9 per cent. This welcome reduction to the lowest rate in 2 years was driven by falls in food and fuel prices. Getting inflation down has been the government’s top priority to ease pressures on families and businesses and the plan is working although it still needs to come down further.
Many families are still struggling with high prices which is why there are ongoing measures to help from cost-of-living payments going to 11,200 households locally, to support through the Household Support Fund, increases in the national living wage and benefits, and additional help to get more people into work.
With inflationary pressures easing, the government’s focus as demonstrated in the autumn statement a few weeks ago is on sustainable growth in the economy. That’s why from 6th January 29 million workers will benefit from cuts in national insurance worth around £450 on average. And businesses are benefitting from significant cuts in their taxes to encourage investment.
Looking back over the last year, I have received 14,459 emails (and some letters) from constituents seeking help which is one of my main roles.
In recent months, I’ve been able to help people with a whole array of issues: paying benefit claims, sorting a tax issue, getting a pension paid, helping with housing problems, getting a refund from an energy company, assisting with passport and visa issues, overturning a Blue Badge refusal, raising concerns about NHS treatment, or flooding issues, and many more.
Helping so many constituents is only possible with the support of my dedicated casework team who doggedly pursue cases including with government agencies, the borough and county councils and other organisations. If you think I may be able help please drop me a line [email protected]
Many of the messages I’ve had this year unsurprisingly have been about QEH and securing a new hospital. That’s been my priority since I was elected and the announcement in May that the government was making QEH and other RAAC hospitals a priority and adding them the new hospitals programme was undoubtedly the highlight of the year.
Now my focus is on working closely with QEH, the Department of Health and NHS to move the plans forward so we have a new modern hospital by 2030 to serve West Norfolk and beyond. I’ll continue to keep people updated next year through this column and I also encourage people to sign up to the newsletter QEH issues each month which also contains updates.
At this time, my thoughts and I’m sure those of people across North West Norfolk will be with those in need at home and those suffering around the world whether Israeli hostages or their families, people trapped in the desperate situation in Gaza, brave Ukrainian forces and people defending their country, or in other conflicts.
As we think of them, I wish everyone in North West Norfolk a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
First published in Lynn News on 22 December 2023
