by Sam Hawcroft
More than 130 people across Holderness have shared their experiences of the cost of living crisis with MP Graham Stuart, with the majority saying they remain under sustained financial pressure.
The findings come from the Beverley and Holderness MP’s local Cost of Living survey, based on responses from residents across towns and villages including Hedon, Preston, Patrington and Keyingham.
According to the survey, 78 per cent of respondents said they were under “a lot” or “a fair amount” of pressure from the cost of living, while 74 per cent said they were worried about their energy bills over the next year.
It also found that 80 per cent believed national decisions had made the cost of living harder locally, including nearly two-thirds – 65 per cent – who said it had become “much harder”.
Residents told the MP it was not one bill causing the problem, but a combination of rising costs including food, energy, council tax and fuel.
In rural parts of Holderness, where many people rely on cars and off-grid energy, rising fuel and heating costs were said to be a particular concern.
Mr Stuart said he had been gathering people’s experiences through doorstep conversations, local surveys and street surgeries, including a surgery in Hedon on Saturday, April 25.
He said he had taken concerns raised locally to Westminster, questioning ministers and the Prime Minister and submitting written questions on the impact of rising costs on local families.
He also said he had backed action that had led to change, including pressure over winter fuel payments and proposed changes to farm tax measures.
Mr Stuart said: “More than 130 people across Holderness have already shared their experiences with me, and the message is clear. People are working hard but falling behind.
“Food, energy, fuel, council tax. It all adds up. And people are feeling the pressure from every direction.
“What I’m hearing on the doorstep, in surveys and at street surgeries across Holderness is that this isn’t one-off pressure. It is constant. And people are adjusting their lives just to keep going.
“That’s why I’ve been raising these concerns directly in Parliament, questioning ministers and the Prime Minister, and pushing for action on the costs people are facing.
“And where pressure is applied, it can make a difference. We’ve seen that with changes on winter fuel and farm tax.
“I’ll keep listening, keep pushing, and keep working to make sure Holderness gets a fair deal.”
Residents who responded to the survey also shared the impact of rising costs on their day-to-day lives.
Jane, from Patrington, said: “People are being expected to just absorb constant increases in costs while wages and pensions don’t keep up.”
Teresa, from Preston, said: “Costs are rising faster than we can manage and there is nothing left at the end of the month.”
Siobhan, from Hedon, said: “Those on low incomes but above the threshold for help are probably struggling the most.”
Peter, from Hatfield, said: “The only transport is the car.”
Meanwhile, Patricia, from Keyingham, said: “Fuel costs are a huge burden and there are no alternatives.”
The survey also found concern about the future, particularly for younger people trying to get started in work and afford to live locally.
Responding to the concerns, an HM Treasury spokesman said the Government recognised that families were facing higher costs, but said support was being provided.
He said: “We know consumers are paying more because of the war in the Middle East. This is not our war and that is why we did not join it. The priority is de-escalation and supporting families through this crisis.
“Thanks to our decisions, the energy price cap has fallen by £117, we are extending the 5p fuel duty cut, supporting households using heating oil, boosting pay for millions, and freezing rail fares and prescription charges.
“The Chancellor has been clear – contingency planning is taking place for every eventuality, so that we can keep costs down for everyone and provide support for those who need it most.”
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, told the House of Commons on March 24 that the Government would not put economic stability at risk and would act “within our iron-clad fiscal rules to keep inflation and interest rates as low as possible”.
Residents can share their experiences through Mr Stuart’s survey at grahamstuart.com/costofliving.