It is right that there is a focus on tackling the scourge of inflation.
We do not just know that high inflation in theory hits the value of well-earned pay and negatively impacts on the cost of living: it is something we have all experienced.
The commitment made at the start of this year to halve inflation was not designed to be easy.
New figures show the rate of inflation is at 7.9 per cent, down from 10.1 per cent at the beginning of this year.
High inflation is an issue being addressed right around the world. In May, UK inflation was lower than in nine of the EU’s 27 member states, with more than half of these having higher core inflation.
We need to see a continued focus in policymaking in Whitehall which recognises the effect inflation has on people’s day-to-day lives: beyond the direct support already provided to households.
Addressing the cost of travelling can make a real difference. More than £1.1 million is being provided for bus companies and West Sussex County Council to extend the £2 bus fare cap locally.
The Government’s ‘Get around for £2’ initiative, which caps single bus fares at £2, will continue until the end of October, before being increased to £2.50 until November 2024.
In Parliament I have also questioned the Chancellor of the Exchequer about measures to help Crawley families and I welcome fuel duty being frozen for the 13th consecutive year.
Locally I was grateful to Crawley Conservative councillors for earlier this year putting forward a motion to oppose the Mayor of London’s controversial expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone. The Borough Council, with its Labour majority, did not back this, opting for a ‘wrecking amendment’ instead.
We know that ministers continue to discuss the cost of food with producers and supermarkets, with the ongoing Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) reviews of the groceries sector being monitored closely.
The latest update from the CMA states that the evidence to date shows high food price inflation has not been driven by weak retail competition, and competitive pressure is of course vital as input prices fall.
The issue of the cost of childcare is one affecting parents and providers alike. In the Commons last month I was pleased to welcome more than £200 million of investment into childcare providers.
Such delivery for working parents is vital as our economy bounces back.
There are those who sit in the Commons and call for increased borrowing to fund their spending pledges. Such ideology would lead to inflationary pressures and run the risk of prolonging higher inflation. This would in no way go to support hard-working Crawley residents.
Henry Smith MP
