Price rises hit 5% - Government must act on "perfect storm" hitting families and businesses say local Liberal Democrats

A perfect storm is facing families and businesses as inflationary price rises have hit 5.1% - the highest rate of change in a decade, and up from 4.2 % only a couple of months ago.

"Families and businesses are facing the perfect storm this winter as inflation soars and Covid surges, " says Cllr Robin Ashby, who speaks for Newcastle Liberal Democrats on employment, development and business matters .

"Prime Minister Johnson and his Government cannot stand idly by while the cost of living crisis forces people to choose between eating and heating.

"The Conservatives must offer hope to families this Christmas, starting by scrapping their unfair and manifesto-breaking tax rise coming in next year. And they must revisit rapidly their cruel decision to slash Universal Credit for those most in need.

"We also need an urgent package of support for cafés, pubs and restaurants on the brink before more livelihoods are lost."