RISHI: ‘READY TO HELP’ ON COST OF LIVING CRISIS

CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak promised Sunday Express readers that he will do “everything in his power” to help them through the cost of living crisis.

- Jonathan Walker, David Williamson and Tony Whitfield

His pledge that he “stands ready to take further action” comes as expectations mount that more measures are on the way to support families wrestling with soaring inflation and energy bills.

Exclusive polling by Techne shows 83 per cent of people want Boris Johnson to appoint a cost of living minister. That figure rises to 90 per cent of those aged over 64.

In the latest step to combat mounting costs, the Government announ ced prescription charges will be frozen for the first time in a decade.

Pressure is building in the Tory Party for bold measures to address the crisis.

Mr Sunak stated: “The global challenges we’re facing are constantly changing.”

But he added: “Be reassured, I’m alive to the problems people are facing and looking to do everything in my power to help where I can.”

A Tory backbencher said they expected an “emergency Budget in all but name” is on the way. Meanwhile, a debate on Tuesday will be watched for signals that help is imminent.

Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, said the prospect of further price rises is now “terrifying” for older people. She warned of the danger of “deep hardship like nothing we’ve seen for many years”.

She is calling for the Government to urgently increase benefits and the state pension in line with inflation.

The Chancellor is understood to have organised a series of “round tables” with backbenchers. In the past, he has held similar meetings in advance of major financial statements. One MP said that Downing Street is particularly “receptive” to the views of Tory MPs at the moment.