As Suffolk woke to a dusting of snow on Monday morning, the countryside that is the hallmark of our beautiful county looked particularly magical – but I’m acutely aware that this time of year also brings additional challenges for my more vulnerable constituents. For many across our county, the recent cold snap has brought renewed focus to the cost of living and the very real pressure that many households face. When temperatures fall, energy bills rise, and for some constituents, that creates difficult choices about how far limited budgets can stretch.
In 2025 I undertook a wide ranging ‘Cost of Living Survey’ across South Suffolk. I heard from constituents who were concerned about heating costs, food prices and the general strain of day-to-day expenses. These worries come from all walks of life: from pensioners to working families, small business owners to young people undertaking further education.
It is rumoured that the cost of living will form the main plank of the Prime Minister’s next ‘reset’. All I can say is – good luck with that. The public is not stupid; they know that inflation has almost doubled under Labour, with food prices rising again over Christmas. Moreover, anyone running a business – as I did before entering Parliament – will be aware how it’s Labour’s higher taxes that are causing so much of the pressure.
Whereas, despite all of the problems with inflation after Putin invaded Ukraine, by the election we had the official measure of rising prices bang on target at 2%. Of course, the election that followed was extremely difficult for my Party; but few Governments could have left the country in such a position after the extraordinary twin challenges of pandemic and war.
One particularly important aspect of the cost of living is to recognise that, whilst the official rate of inflation may be a single national statistic, pressures vary around the country. For example, in rural constituencies like mine, many still rely on heating oil to keep their homes warm through the colder months. However, buying Kerosene in bulk at this time of year can be particularly costly.
I recall being a Treasury Minister at the time of the energy price surge, following the invasion of Ukraine, and vocally arguing for Government support for heating bills, which included targeted help with heating oil. I’m pleased to say that we delivered.
Of course, supporting constituents is not only about national policy, but also about what happens locally in our communities. Since first being elected in 2015, I have met so many volunteers who work tirelessly to improve and support their local areas. That’s why I launched my Community Champion Awards in 2023, to celebrate our unsung heroes upon whom many of our communities depend.
This year, nominees ranged from Parish Councillors to charity workers, from community project coordinators to mental health champions. These volunteers all work hard, especially over the winter months, to provide a range of support and advice to constituents. My winner for 2025 was Andy Read, and I look forward to celebrating more community champions in 2026.
I would also encourage anyone who is worried about the cost of living to seek advice. Support is available, but it can be hard to know where to find it. This is why I hold a periodic ‘South Suffolk Seniors Fair’ to provide such information, with two well-attended such events in 2025, in Shotley and Glemsford, respectively. The Fair aims to connect pensioners with all the support services available to them in the local area. In addition, my office regularly helps constituents access information and assistance, and we are always happy to do so. Please contact me on: [email protected] if you live in South Suffolk and require my assistance. Meanwhile, if you want to attend my next fair later this year, please register for my newsletter for forthcoming details: www.jamescartlidge.com/newslettersubscribe
Businesses are also feeling the pressures of rising prices. Having visited several pubs, shops, and small businesses in my constituency of South Suffolk – from the Shotley Peninsula to Sudbury, from Lawshall to Hadleigh – nearly all business owners that I have met with have expressed deep concern about the ongoing financial burden of running a business and a lack of confidence in the Government. From business rate hikes to increases in employers' National Insurance contributions, the cost of running a business is becoming seemingly untenable – and is one of the reasons for the higher inflation that makes a mockery of Starmer’s supposed cost-of-living ‘reset’.
As we look ahead to 2026, I reflect on the closing words I wrote in this column 12 months ago: “We need a fresh start from the Government. Stop talking Britain down.” A year on, that message feels no less relevant - but it does feel more urgent.
Of course, we retain huge strengths at a local level – from our SME owners who plough on regardless, and those volunteers I celebrated as community champions. A new year always brings new challenges, but also new opportunities.
I wish all EADT readers the very best for 2026.
Published in the East Anglian Daily Times.
