December is upon us and it is, as ever, wonderful to see towns and villages across Fylde lit up, helping spread a little bit of festive cheer and making our high streets an attractive place to stock up ahead of the busy Christmas season. Congratulations must go to all those involved in making Fylde’s communities shine so brightly and to all those who have been taking part in enjoyable and unique switch-on celebrations over the past couple of weeks. From Christmas markets in Kirkham to carols in Ansdell, it has been great to see out communities come together.
I know that for many this Christmas will be challenging financially, as we all come to terms with the increased cost of living. That is why it is more important than ever to get out and support our local businesses. This weekend it is Small Businesses Saturday, a chance to celebrate, and spend some time shopping in the locally run shops which make our high streets so very special. We are fortunate in Fylde to have so much quality local produce and to have so many smaller retailers, offering something absolutely unique on our high streets. The money they make, in these crucial weeks, ends up back in our local communities and I hope as many people as possible here in Fylde will take the opportunity to shop local this Christmas, however tempting it might be to click on that online retailer’s site.
The Government continues to work to protect families and businesses from the worst of the energy price rises, triggered by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. At this time of year, our thoughts always turn to hopes for peace and reconciliation. Sadly, on the ground in Eastern Europe the conflict shows no sign of easing. That is why it is more important than ever to be thinking about our long-term energy security and how we can make our homes more efficient.
I very much welcome a Government package, announced this week, which will target £1 billion of funding towards energy efficiency improvements for those in our most costly-to-run homes. The scheme, an extension of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) programme, will make money available to those living in the least efficient properties, with EPC ratings of E or below, in Council Tax bands A to D. I am keen to see more details and to understand how people here in Fylde might be able to access grants, unlocking potentially hundreds of pounds in energy bill savings.
I am also pleased the Government has, finally, come forward with details of energy bills support for those who do not pay directly to suppliers, including the hundreds of people living in park homes here in Fylde. The grant programme will open for applications in January and will be administered by local councils, who showed just how quickly they can adapt and deliver during the Covid pandemic. Having called for a true equivalent scheme, I am looking forward to seeing people living in our communities getting the help they need with energy bills.