I am determined that people who work hard in Hartlepool won’t be left alone to face the high energy bills that are the result of the global rises in energy prices over the past few months.

So I’m writing to let you know about the £1 billion of extra assistance that the Labour Government announced this week to help with fuel bills this winter. I’ll be supporting this package with my vote in Parliament later this year, backing a new obligation on energy companies that will require them to do more to improve people’s insulation and cut bills in Hartlepool, and I want to make sure that you found out about what this means for you.

From Thursday 11 September:

• Every household in Hartlepool is eligible for at least 50% off loft and cavity wall insulation;
• Everyone on certain benefits and all pensioners can get these for free;
• And cold weather payments for the most vulnerable will be increased from £8.50 to £25 a week.

To find out more and get insulated, you just need to call this number: 0800 512 012, and ask what help is available to you.

This is really worth doing: by improving loft insulation you can reduce bills by around £100 a year, and by getting cavity wall insulation put in you can reduce bills by another £150, not just this year but every year. The faster you get it done, the more you’ll save!

I’m supporting this package because I want practical help for families that will cut bills year on year. We’ll introduce it whether the Tories object to it or not – because Labour is committed to giving people practical help that will make a difference, not just relying on soundbites and PR. And it will also mean that we cut carbon emissions too, which is good for climate change and good for the planet.