Garston and Halewood Liberal Democrats
Rising prices are hitting people hard say Lib Dems
October 28, 2008 12:00 AM
Halewood Liberal Democrat Cllr Dave Smithson has expressed his concern at the effect rising prices are having on local families.
Liberal Democrat research has indicated that a small grocery basket, containing staple food items such as butter, eggs, bread, fruit and biscuits, as well as one luxury item - a pack of croissants, would cost £12.24 - up 26% from this time last year.
Commenting, Cllr Smithson said: "Everyone will be aware from their weekly shop that prices have been going up, but this demonstrates just how extensive these price rises have been. One small basket of groceries is now 26% more expensive than this time last year.
"Soaring prices of petrol, food and heating are hitting people hard across our area. It doesn't matter how much you earn, almost everyone is feeling the pinch. Hardest hit are pensioners and others on fixed incomes.
"Pensions went up by just a few pounds a week this year. That is quickly wiped out when the cost of basic foods like butter and cheese has risen by a third in a year."
"It doesn't stop there either. The cost of heating also went up by up to 40% too. Petrol prices remain sky high."
"We need to be doing more to help people in their everyday lives, such as keeping fuel bills low, improving pensions, and most importantly understanding that people on low incomes shouldn't be paying a higher proportion of their income in tax than the city high-fliers that have put us in this mess.
"Problems with global food production are largely out of our hands, but there is still a lot more that could be done to help ordinary people at this time, and I am pleased that the Liberal Democrats are listening and responding to these serious issues.
"People are fed up with Gordon Brown's excuses for his economic mismanagement. We need action now to help people in our area.
"The Government have failed to protect our poorest citizens, and it is not a surprise that there is such widespread disenchantment.
Dave Smithson is backing Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP to get action to tackle the crisis.
Top priority is putting more money in the pockets of ordinary people. The Lib Dems are calling for a 4p in the pound cut in income tax and better pensions.
Energy companies would be forced cut prices for the less well off and pay to improve home insulation.
Cllr Smithson said: "It's only right that people need to keep more of what they earn to help deal with rising prices.
"Energy companies have made massive profits from their customers. It's time that they helped those on low incomes.
"No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or keeping their home warm."
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