I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I hope that you and your families all get a restful break over the festive period.
I appreciate that this Christmas many across our community here in North Yorkshire are feeling anxious because of the higher cost of living, inflation and energy prices.
Over the last year, I have been speaking to households and businesses that make up our community and I have been representing their individual circumstances to the highest levels of Government. Recently, I have met with many different business owners, from pubs like the White Lion Kildwick to the large storage company, Reed Boardall in Boroughbridge. Over the year I have also spoken with many constituents and farming groups about their own worries at surgery appointments.
Indeed, I have been concerned about support for those in the constituency who live off-grid or do not have a traditional relationship with their energy supplier. I am pleased that the Government has given more clarity that these households will receive support early next year. With the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding opening with a short application process on gov.uk in January to deliver the £400 government credit. With households who use fuels such as heating oil, LPG or biomass to heat their homes, receiving the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment from the start of February.
Thinking ahead to the new year, despite the economic headwinds that may remain, I have confidence that the Government has the right strategy to bring stability as we move into 2023.
This Christmas, I hope can be a time for families to come together, to celebrate with loved ones, and perhaps for more guests than usual around the table this year. This year I received high volumes of correspondence about the situation in Ukraine and many in the constituency submitted sponsorship applications, opening their homes to those fleeing Ukraine. This is testament to the spirit and generosity of our community here in North Yorkshire, and I have been delighted to hear about those joining the community in North Yorkshire over the year.
Christmas can also be an opportunity for a moment of reflection, and for many it is a time to be with family and friends, but it is important to think of those in our communities who have lost or cannot be with their loved ones this Christmas. I would encourage us all to look out for those in our neighbourhoods that may need checking in on, especially on those colder days.
With best wishes,
Rt Hon Julian Smith CBE MP
