Torfaen elected representatives Lynne Neagle MS and Nick Thomas-Symonds MP are holding a Cost of Living advice day to help local residents worried about making ends meet in the current financial crisis.
Lynne and Nick have invited a range of organisations to take part in two advice surgeries on Friday 18 November – one in Pontypool and one in Cwmbran.
Organisations include Citizens Advice Bureau, Torfaen Council, Age Connects, Welsh Water, Shelter Cymru, Care & Repair Torfaen, Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, Disability Advice Project, Credit Union, DWP and the Eastern Valley Foodbank.
Lynne Neagle MS said: “People in Wales are facing the biggest fall in living standards since records began. Domestic energy bills have doubled over the last 12 months, and the impacts are being felt right across our economy and our communities, particularly among those on the lowest incomes and the most vulnerable.
“We have some families desperately thinking about how they can afford to heat their homes over the winter and the UK Government decides to remove the cap on banker’s bonuses. It shows a complete lack of connection with what is happening in the real world.
“The Cost of Living Advice Surgery is designed to bring together organisations that do live in the real world and are able to provide help and support for people worried about benefits, housing, energy and food.
“I have been really pleased by the response of local organisations and the keenness they have shown in sending their best advisors to provide support to the people of Torfaen. If you, or somebody you know, is struggling please come along and see what support and help is available. There is no need to make an appointment, just turn up.”
Nick said: “The UK Government has failed to grasp the scale of the cost of living crisis people are facing not just here in Torfaen but across the country.
“I am pleased to work alongside my Torfaen colleague Lynne to organise this Cost of Living Advice Surgery, to bring together just some of the organisations working on the ground who can provide advice to people needing support.
“I would like to thank the many organisations who have agreed to attend, and the frontline support they continue to give to Torfaen constituents.
“I encourage anyone in Torfaen who is struggling to attend the Cost of Living Advice Surgery to hear the support available which ranges from benefits, to housing, and how to save on your energy bills.”
Date and times of Cost of Living events
Both events are on Friday 18 November.
- The morning session is from 10am-12pm at Lower St James Hall, St James’ Field, Hanbury Road, Pontypool, NP4 6JT.
- The afternoon session is from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Congress Theatre, 50 Gwent Square, Cwmbran, NP44 1P4.