This August, it has been great to see local families taking advantage of the Labour Government’s ‘Great British Summer Savings’ scheme. Families are benefiting from our decision to cut VAT on family meals and activities this summer, including trips to the cinema. I recently visited Cineworld at the Eden Centre to hear how initiatives like this are helping make days out more affordable for families.
I visited High Wycombe bus station and spoke to Carousel Buses about the Government’s introduction of free bus travel for under-16s throughout August. Since the scheme was introduced, they have seen 15,000 additional journeys made by young people, helping families save money while giving young people greater freedom to get around.
The Government is taking further action to help with the cost of living and give families breathing space by cutting electricity bills and capping bus fares at £2 from January 2027. We have also cut business rates by 20% for pubs, social clubs and music venues.
It is encouraging to see the UK was the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first half of this year. I look forward to playing my part as Chief Secretary to the Treasury in Andy Burnham’s Government to raise living standards and deliver growth in every postcode.
I know the cooler temperatures will be welcomed by many, including the farmers I spoke to at the Bucks County Show this week. Following the driest July on record, the Government has announced a significant support package for farmers affected by drought.
I visited Wycombe Homeless Connection ahead of the announcement of a £442 million package to ensure every rough sleeper is offered a route off the streets by Christmas. These plans will do more than provide people with a safe place to sleep and a foundation to rebuild their lives. They will also generate substantial benefits for society, with Crisis research indicating that preventing 40,000 people from becoming homeless for just one year could save taxpayers approximately £370 million.
Finally, I want to congratulate all the young people in Wycombe who received their exam results this summer.