Cost of living questions looks set to dominate the rest of the campaign. In Darlington, energy bills are predicted to rise to almost 15% of the average household’s income after tax.
Blair says he has been through tough times in the past, but he admitted he was apprehensive about the catastrophic price rises this winter. “I think the government’s got to get its hand in its pocket – when things are good, they are quick to put taxes up,” he said. “Our biggest worry is fuel; we are growers as well, old-fashioned market gardeners.” He is fearful too for the future of the town and the empty shops on the high street.
For business owners and shoppers on the high street, there is a shake of the head at the idea that government cannot give more help with bills and a sense of inevitability that it will have to come anyway. Earlier in the day, Truss reinforced her refusal to offer significant help to people with soaring energy bills this winter.
This story is from the August 10, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the August 10, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
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