MP Gareth Snell welcomes Labour action so far to ease the pressure on the cost of living and the cost of business.

People and businesses across Stoke-on-Trent will benefit from a package of measures to provide ‘everyday fixes’ to the high cost of living.

Gareth Snell, Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent Central has welcomed these measures, which he says will provide “a bit of room to breathe” for people living in Stoke-on-Trent, as well as to the constituency’s businesses.

Labour’s cost of living package includes scrapping VAT on household electricity bills to keep down energy costs, reducing the cap on bus fares to £2 for all of 2027, and a new scheme to protect people’s hard-earned money from tradespeople if they do not fulfil their promises during home improvement projects.

The Government is also lightening the load for families with children, by limiting the number of expensive branded items that schools can require. Disabled people are seeing their travel costs reduced with 24/7 access to free bus travel in every part of England. And Labour is speeding up new measures to end ‘subscription traps’ for consumers, with clearer up-front information from subscription providers, regular reminders when a free trial is ending or an expensive renewal is coming up, and a 14-day cooling off cancellation period.

Labour has set in motion plans to reduce costs for local businesses too. Pubs, social clubs and music venues in Stoke-on-Trent will benefit from a 20% cut to their business rates from next April, providing treasured community assets with a helping hand. And red tape is being cut by reforming corporate reporting and procurement rules – saving companies time and money so that they can invest more in providing jobs, renewing communities, and growing their businesses.

Gareth said: “It’s fantastic to see Andy Burnham’s Labour Government moving quickly to support people and businesses here in Stoke-on-Trent.

“Too many residents are feeling the strain of high living costs, which is why these measures are so welcome. They will provide greater security and a bit more room to breathe for families and employers alike.”