I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. It was a real pleasure to see so many people across our community coming together to celebrate, reflect, and spend time with loved ones. I was especially grateful to attend a sunrise service led by Rev Mike Barnsley for Cinderford Benefice—an uplifting way to mark the occasion and a reminder of the strong sense of community spirit we are so fortunate to have here in the Forest of Dean.

Last week, my team and I also received a very warm welcome at Daffodil Court in Newent. Since being elected as your MP, I’ve had the joy of visiting several times and building a meaningful relationship with residents there, as well as with Graham, the chair of the residents’ association. We had fish and chips together and had a lovely evening. Thank you to everyone at Daffodil Court for your continued kindness and warm welcome—it is always a pleasure to visit.

And I know from speaking to many of you that the cost of living continues to put pressure on households. While challenges remain, I am pleased that new measures introduced last week are beginning to make a difference.

Millions of people across the country will see their energy bills fall and their wages rise—thanks to decisions made by this Labour Government. Here are five key ways we are helping tackle the cost-of-living crisis:

· Cutting £117 from the average household energy bill: Through targeted energy support and reforms, we are ensuring that families benefit from lower costs. This includes adjustments to the energy price cap and continued support for vulnerable households, helping to make bills more manageable.

· Raising the minimum wage: We have increased the National Minimum Wage to ensure that hard work pays. This uplift means thousands of workers across the Forest of Dean will see more money in their pay packets, helping to keep up with rising costs and improve living standards.

· Freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years: At a time when many rely on public transport for work and daily life, holding rail fares steady provides much-needed certainty and savings for commuters and families.

· Providing 30 hours of free childcare a week: This expansion is a game-changer for working families, saving up to £8,000 a year per child. It not only eases financial pressure but also supports parents in returning to or staying in work. I know this has been a lifeline for so many families and parents in the Forest of Dean and provided real opportunities to get back into work.

· Extending the freeze on prescription charges: For the second consecutive year, prescription costs have been held steady, ensuring that those who rely on regular medication are not faced with additional financial strain.

I know many people across the Forest are still feeling the pressure of rising costs, and there is more work to do. But these measures represent an important step forward in easing that burden and supporting families.