The average family in Fenland has seen the price of the weekly food shop rise by a staggering £700 per year.
Figures produced by North East Cambridgeshire Labour claim this is “a total hit to local families of £33,390,000”
Labour’s spokesperson Martin Field said: “The figures come as the cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen – mortgages and rents are soaring, taxes are at the highest level in a generation, and real wages are falling.
“That’s why a Labour Government would freeze council tax – fully funded by a windfall tax on oil and gas companies.
Labour’s Fenland election campaign launch day“Labour councils already keep council tax £345 lower than the Conservatives, and more than £400 lower than the Lib Dems, while investing more in economic development to get local economies moving again.”
Mr Field said: “Under the Conservatives we are suffering the worst cost of living crisis in a generation and it’s getting worse by the day.
“Yet instead of offering families the support they need the Tories are raising taxes for families in Fenland while giving a £1bn tax cut to the richest people in the country.
“But Labour is on your side, and Labour has a plan.
“We would freeze council tax for every household in the country and stop bills rising above £2,000 this year – fully funded by a windfall tax on the oil and gas giants. And we’d get the country going again through Keir Starmer’s Mission to deliver the highest sustained growth in the G7.
He said Labour councillors would:
Declare a cost-of-living emergency. It will be top priority to offer advice, support, and real help.
Double the number of affordable homes in new developments. Stand up to bad landlords. Ensure infrastructure is in place before planning is granted.
Stimulate the local green economy. Protect communities from the impact of climate change.
Support a wide range of sport and leisure activities.
Create a Local Plan led by residents. Insist on jobs for local people when awarding contracts.
Mr Field added: “Next Thursday voters in Fenland have a choice. A vote for Labour is a vote to cut the cost of living, cut crime and cut waiting lists. That’s how we will build a better Fenland.”
