Bills Now Consume 80% of My Income – I Can’t Afford to Heat My Home, Even in Snow Wednesday, November 26, 2025 heating bills mortgage energy poverty income costofliving budget cold benefits Julie Prince, a 52-year-old civil servant from Somerset, faces a harsh reality: despite earning £27,000 annually, almost 80% of her income goes toward her mortgage and bills. This leaves her with barely enough money to cover … Read More
Bath MP Urges Emergency VAT Cut to Save Local Businesses Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis Friday, November 14, 2025 vat hospitality costofliving bath businesses economy liberaldemocrats tax budget inflation Bath’s Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse has called for an immediate VAT cut to support struggling local businesses hammered by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. She is urging the government to reduce VAT by 5% for pubs, … Read More
Bath MP Urges Emergency VAT Cut as Local Businesses Struggle Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis Friday, November 14, 2025 vat bath hospitality costofliving smallbusiness economy liberaldemocrats taxation businessrates energybills Bath’s MP, Wera Hobhouse, has called for an emergency reduction in VAT to support local businesses severely impacted by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The Liberal Democrat representative advocates for an immediate 5% VAT … Read More
New School Nurseries Save Parents Thousands Annually Thursday, September 25, 2025 childcare nurseries education government funding earlyyears families costofliving support workforce Since the start of the new term, over 55,000 children across the South West have benefited from government-funded childcare places, a move hailed by ministers as a critical step in easing the cost of living for working … Read More
Businesses Warn of 'Worst Year Yet' Amidst Devon Hospitality Challenges Tuesday, September 16, 2025 hospitality devon tourism pubs cafes hotels inflation consumertrends costofliving staycation Businesses across Devon’s hospitality sector are facing a tough year, with many owners revealing serious challenges threatening their sustainability. From pubs and hotels to cafes and holiday resorts, the summer season’s … Read More
Somerset MP Faces Criticism Over Staff Salary Offering Below 'Real Living Wage' Monday, September 8, 2025 livingwage parliamentarystaff salarydispute rachelgilmour ipsa liberaldemocrats costofliving constituencystaff employment wagepolicy Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, is facing backlash over the salary offered for a recently advertised caseworker position. The role, which supports constituents and assists at regular … Read More