My visit to Hampton’s food bank was a stark reminder of how tight things have become for many families. Behind every policy and every line in the budget are people trying to keep up with rising costs, childcare fees and rent. That’s why my priority is simple: making sure the decisions taken in Westminster translate into real, practical help for communities across North West Cambridgeshire.
That’s why last week’s Budget matters. It’s not a fix-all, and it won’t change everything overnight, but it does start to ease some of the financial pressure people tell me about regularly.
The most immediate change is the cost of living support. Rail fares will be frozen for the first time in thirty years – something many commuters in our area have called for. NHS prescription charges are frozen too, and the fuel duty freeze is being extended, saving households around £89 a year. On top of that, energy bills will fall by around £150 next year. These aren’t dramatic headlines, but they add up. They’re the sort of changes that give families a little more breathing room at a time when every pound matters.
Wages will rise too. The National Living Wage is increasing to £12.71, and younger workers will see a boost as the minimum wage for 18–20-year-olds rises to £10.85. In an area with a high number of young workers, this is a meaningful change that will help people keep more of what they earn.
One of the most positive steps is the expansion of breakfast clubs and free school meals. I’ve visited a number of schools recently, and the message is consistent: when children start the day with a good meal, everything else improves – attendance, concentration, confidence, and long-term outcomes. With more schools in our patch set to benefit, this investment will genuinely help families who have been feeling the squeeze.
Locally, the Budget also provides a platform for growth. Peterborough will see major investment in a new swimming pool and Sports Quarter – a project that many people across our region will use and benefit from. It will bring new facilities, community space and opportunities for young people, and it sends a signal that our region is worth investing in.
For too long, residents have had to put up with deteriorating roads and slow repairs. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been allocated more than £136 million, a record level of investment in local road maintenance. It gives councils the resources to deal with long-standing issues and prioritise the roads most in need of repair.
None of this means the challenges have disappeared. Families are still feeling the aftershocks of years of rising prices, and our public services need sustained investment, not one-off fixes. But this Budget is a step toward rebuilding stability and putting working people first.
My focus is making sure these national decisions translate into real improvements here – whether that’s supporting local schools, keeping transport affordable, or backing the investment needed to make our area thrive. North West Cambridgeshire deserves a fair share, and I’ll keep pressing to make sure we get it.