As we head into the winter months, I know my Slough constituents, and many across the UK, are anxious about the support available to them during this challenging period. 

Recently, our new Labour government announced the extension of the Household Support Fund for the next 6 months, giving local authorities across England an additional £421 million boost.

This fund will help people most in need with the cost of their energy, food and water, ensuring that support reaches the most vulnerable. For Slough, I’m pleased to inform you there will be an additional grant of over £1.1 million from the 1st of October until next March.

Devastatingly, 1.3 million more people have fallen into poverty since 2010/11, with living standards falling by the largest year-on-year drop since records began.

I know this government is committed to delivering growth and protecting the most vulnerable. The extension of this Fund ensures financially insecure households are able to have the support they desperately need.

With the dire financial situation created by 14 years of Conservative governments, it has meant tough decisions, but this government will always ensure targeted support, whilst fixing the foundations of our economy.