Newark MP Robert Jenrick writes about a challenging year after the covid-19 pandemic

It has been a challenging year for many. As we emerge from coronavirus, and sleeping economies begin to awaken, coupled with Putin’s barbaric war in Ukraine, prices have risen putting a strain on household budgets across the world, and the UK is no exception.

The government has recognised the challenges this has caused and is supporting the most vulnerable.

Earlier this year the government announced £400 for each household for energy, and in September the government announced the Energy Price Guarantee, meaning the average household will not pay over £2,500 a year for their energy bills, saving the average household £900 this winter and £500 next year.

Alongside this the government took the step in the Autumn Statement to give a £650 cost of living payment for every household on means-tested benefits this year and deliver an additional £900 payment next year, supporting over eight million of the most vulnerable households.

In our area there are many who receive pensions and with inflation increasing, I was glad to see the government deliver on the promise to uprate pensions with inflation, in addition to the £300 pensioner cost of living payment for every pensioner household in receipt of Winter Fuel Payment.

In total government support has come to £37bn this year and has committed to an additional £12bn next year, making sure the most vulnerable are protected. You can find the full range of support at www.gov.uk/cost-of-living

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Wholesale energy costs are slowly coming down, the threat of winter blackouts has dissipated, and Ukraine, through its might and determination is pushing the Russian Bear back.

I hope there is positive news on both these fronts in the coming year.

As the nights draw in and with Christmas just around the corner, it is important that we support our local community, whether that is looking out for one another in our community, making sure we knock on that neighbour’s door who might be struggling or even supporting our local high streets by buying local.

I understand that many of you may have already completed your shopping, but if you are one of the people like me, dashing to the shops in December, please do help support our local businesses and shop locally.

We have come so far in the past 2 years, where many families were held hostage by covid, whether that was through lockdowns or the wave of cases causing many to isolate last Christmas.

My own family missed catching up as my children tested positive on Christmas Eve just we were about to welcome my parents over!

Looking back, I am glad that our collective fight has allowed us to largely move on from covid, and

I hope everyone is able to have a merry Christmas with all their loved ones and a happy new year.