Dear Constituent,
I want to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope you and your families are all able to enjoy a restful break over the festive period.
Thinking back to this time last year, I am aware of how far we have come.
Inflation has now more than halved, dropping from 10.1 per cent in January to 4.6 per cent in October. Similarly, energy prices have fallen by almost 55 per cent, with the energy price cap from 1st January 2024 set at £1,928, down from £4,279 on 1st January 2023.
I appreciate though that for many families and businesses across Skipton and Ripon, prices are still too high. That’s why the government’s support over the past year has been so comprehensive.
Whether it’s the unprecedented £94 billion cost of living support package, which recently saw 7,000 households across Skipton and Ripon receive a further £300 payment, or the implementation of the biggest package of tax cuts since the 1980s, the Government will do everything it can to boost the economy while driving down borrowing, debt, and inflation.
Looking ahead to the new year, despite the challenges, I am confident that the Government will continue to make the right decisions, not the easy ones.
Christmas is a time for families to come together, to celebrate with loved ones, to reflect on a year gone by, and the year to come. It is important, though, to take a moment to think about some of those who are not able to do so as well.
Families in Ukraine continue to be torn apart by Putin’s barbaric and illegal invasion. The UK has been a fierce and leading advocate for the Ukrainian cause, but at this time of the year I want to single out the generosity of those who have opened their homes to those who have had to flee their own.
Since the invasion, I have received a huge amount of correspondence from constituents, asking about how they can help, including by taking refugees in. It is testament to the spirit and generosity of our community here in Skipton and Ripon.
Closer to home, it is important to recognise that while many will celebrate these holidays surrounded by friends and family, Christmas can also be an incredibly lonely time for some within our communities. I would encourage us all to keep an eye out for each other and to check in with those who may be alone, particularly the elderly who have lost or who cannot be with their loved ones this Christmas.
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Yours sincerely,
Julian
