The UK has done a fantastic job of decarbonising, having halved our carbon emissions since 1990. Fylde plays, and will continue to play, an important role in this through the generation of wind and solar energy and, of course, powering British nuclear with Springfields manufactured fuel. All of this continues to be vital to our transition, but for this to be achievable in the long term, it must be balanced with the impact on people’s everyday lives.
From the outset, the Prime Minister has put pragmatism at the heart of his approach to dealing with the big issues. Be it rural households facing a boiler ban, or those without off-street parking worried about how they will charge an electric vehicle, these are some of the most common concerns I hear from people when on the doorstep or out and about in Fylde,
I therefore welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to limit this impact, easing the transition to electric vehicles from 2030 to 2035, increasing the grants available to help people switching from traditional boilers to heat pumps, while also ruling out the introduction of onerous rules on carpooling, bin collections and taxes on meat consumption or flying. Extending these transitions allows more time for the development of more efficient and affordable technologies and gives people the confidence that the transition will be achievable.
On the topic of energy, recent wind and rain mean many in Fylde will be thinking about the winter ahead and its impact on their bills. We are all aware of the impact that geopolitical events have had on food and energy prices, and I am delighted that the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to helping low-income households over the coming months.
£94 Billion pounds is being distributed nationally to help low-income households, with an estimated 8,400 people across Fylde set to benefit from this second instalment, one of three £300 payments, which will arrive automatically in the accounts of those qualifying between 31st October and 19th November. I am similarly pleased that eligible pensioner households in Fylde will receive a £300 one off payment on top of the usual Winter Fuel Payment, with the Government also topping up the discretionary Household Support Fund. This Fund is distributed by local Councils and those struggling to make ends meet should speak with their local Council, be that Fylde Borough or Preston City Council, about how they can access this.
Lastly, for so many older or disabled people being able to continue living at home with the love and support of friends and relatives close at hand is particularly important. It is something that I believe in firmly and it is fantastic news that Fylde will benefit from £107,960 of Government money, part of a Lancashire wide investment of £1,500,000, to help people with disabilities adapt their homes. I hope that this give more flexibility in people’s care arrangements, enabling more people to return home directly from hospital, speeding up the discharge process.