Every week, parents tell me about the choices they are forced to make - from cutting back on the non-essentials to worrying about energy bills and transport costs.
During the summer holidays, these worries only get worse as parents feel pressured to spend money on holidays, activities or days out to keep their kids entertained.
At the back of their mind are also the back-to-school costs of uniforms and supplies.
That is why supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis, and making sure the government does whatever it can to help, remains a top issue that I will speak up about.
I am pleased that this summer, families will benefit from the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, cutting VAT from 20% to 5% on children’s meals in restaurants, children’s cinema and theatre tickets, and entry to attractions such as soft play centres, adventure parks and museums.
These savings will help ensure that the joys of the summer holidays remain within reach for families who have been feeling the squeeze.
As well as helping parents over the summer holidays, the government is also helping with back-to-school costs by introducing a new limit on the number of branded items a school can force you to buy for your children.
The new prime minister, Andy Burnham, has also announced cost of living measures, making it the top priority of his government.
He has cut VAT on household energy bills, saving around £45 from the average bill - providing vital breathing space for families during the winter months.
Every home in Barking will benefit from this change, as will eligible charities, care homes and small businesses.
This follows earlier action to cut £117 off energy bills and freeze rail fares, prescription charges and fuel duty.
These measures are important steps towards easing pressure on household budgets, but I know the cost of living is still making life tough for families in Barking & Dagenham.
As your member of Parliament, I’ll continue to speak up on these issues in Parliament and call on the government to do more to provide support.
If you would like to share your experiences or raise concerns, please do get in touch with my office.
- Nesil Caliskan is Labour MP for Barking.
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