Boris Johnson’s zombie government is standing by and doing nothing at the time of a cost of living emergency.

The average energy bill, already hugely up on last year, will increase from £1,971 a year to £3,500 a year on October 1 before rising again in January. In addition to these energy price rises, taxes are going up to the highest level in decades and inflation is set to hit double digits. This is a perfect storm which will be catastrophic for residents and families across Watford. We already know that across our borough, food banks are feeling the pressure, and donations are falling.

Instead of raising taxes, the Government should cut VAT, scrap the national insurance hike and restore the £20 universal credit uplift. We also need to unleash a revolution in home insulation and renewable energy to drive down the cost of bills, reduce our dependence on imported energy, and help combat climate change.

The Government's response so far has been truly pitiful – when people needed support, they dithered and acted too late. Conservative MPs, including Watford's, first voted against a windfall tax on record energy firm profits but then U-turned and introduced the measure, missing out on £6 billion pounds in the meantime. This delay alone was worth £213 per household.

Taking action now is essential to protect people, our planet and the economy. Residents in Watford deserve better than a zombie government more interested in protecting energy firm profits than vulnerable people. It’s time for the Government to get a grip and deal with the cost of living emergency now, before it is too late.

Cllr Ian Stotesbury

Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, Watford Borough Council

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