The Progressive Alliance is reaching out to struggling residents as higher bills are set to hit households in April.
Energy bills and National Insurance are increasing this April, while inflation reached a 30-year high in February.
- Over £15 million to help residents on low incomes pay their Council Tax bill
- Over £3 million for concessionary public transport fares
- Half a million pounds to help people struggling with the energy crisis
- £150,000 to maintain a Local Welfare Provision Scheme, which can help residents in need by providing items such as beds, cookers, and fridge freezers
Councillor Pete Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes Council, said: “Families in Milton Keynes were already being hit by the cost-of-living crisis, and it is only going to get worse this month as bills start to arrive.”
“The reality is because of the Government’s mishandling of this crisis, people will have to choose between heating and eating.”
Councillor Robin Bradburn, Deputy Leader of the Council, added: “We’re doing all we can as a Council to support our residents, but we can’t fix skyrocketing energy bills, the highest inflation in 30-years and a National Insurance hike.”
Cllr Alex Walker, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “This is extremely ironic from a Labour-Lib Dem Council that has raised council tax for the 8th year in a row, leaving the average MK household £500 worse off this year than in 2014. All the while they have splashed £12 million on a Council office refurbishment programme and binned a regeneration project that would have transformed some our most disadvantaged estates.
Meanwhile the Conservative Government have been investing heavily to support those most impacted by the cost-of-living crisis including a £150 council tax rebate, a reduction in fuel duty and £200 off energy bills with more measures on the way that will mean more money is kept in people’s pockets.”
