The Government must go further than emergency cost of living measures to “stop families falling into deprivation”, the Mayor of West Yorkshire has said.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a £15 billion package to help households cope with soaring energy prices.
Tracy Brabin said: “The Chancellor has finally recognised there must be a response to the terrible cost of living crisis that more people are facing every day.
“Assessments by the Trussell Trust show food bank usage in our region is increasing, with people having to choose between heating and eating.
“It remains to be seen if the package announced today by Rishi Sunak goes far enough.
“I’m doing what I can to help with the powers I have. The plans to cap bus fares at £2 and the work with housing providers, to make rented homes more energy efficient, will help, but there’s more to do.
- Read more: 'I tried living on a budget of £12 a week'
“Government needs to reverse cuts to Universal Credit as well as ensuring West Yorkshire has the funding and powers to invest this where we know it will have genuine impact.
“If the Government’s ambitions are to truly level up our communities and ensure people can live good, fulfilling lives, then they must do more to stop them falling into deprivation.”
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