Honiton: Cost of living package announced but Richard Foord say it is ‘too little, too late.’

Yesterday the government announced a cost-of-living package which will see every household in the UK receiving £400, but the Liberal Democrat candidate Richard Foord doesn't believe the government is doing enough to help people in rural areas.

 The money is intended to help people with the rising cost of living, in particular the souring cost of energy.

 It is being paid for by a temporary windfall tax on oil and gas companies at a rate of 25%. Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor said that the support package was worth £15 million.

 The package:

·      Every household in the UK is to get an energy bill discount of £400

·      Those on the lowest incomes will receive a one-off cost of living payment of £650 in two lump sums

·      Pensioners who receive winter fuel payment will receive a one-off payment of £300

·      Six million people who receive disability allowance will get a payment of £150

He believes the government's announcement doesn't do enough to help those in Devon who are being hit hardest by the increase in energy bills and prices.

 The Liberal Democrats have a number of policies in place to help homes in Devon specifically.

For example, the party want to see an end to regional energy price differences that leave families in the South West paying more than those in other regions of the country.

They also want a cap on heating oil for off-grid homes which are not protected by the energy price cap. 

Finally, the party is calling for a 'sewage tax' on water companies which would fund a clean-up of rivers and coastal areas which have been damaged by sewage pollution.

In a statement, Foord said: "These measures are too little too late. The government has failed to tackle soaring petrol prices, scrap unfair regional energy pricing, or cap the cost of heating oil - all of which are leaving families in Devon paying over the odds.

"It just shows that Boris Johnson and the Conservatives are still neglecting rural communities like ours, that are bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living emergency.

"The Liberal Democrats have got a clear plan to support local families who have been taken for granted by this government for too long. 

"We want to see a cap on heating oil for off-grid homes and more generous support for families that are struggling to get by, including an emergency tax cut."

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