THE constituency's MP said the Government is committed to 'rebuilding a better Britain'.

Joe Morris, MP for Hexham, said progress is being made after two weeks of Parliament after the summer break.

He said: "This week marks the second week of Parliament after summer recess and already significant progress is being made. As mentioned in last week's column I was active in Parliament, leading two debates and putting forward questions that addressed crucial issues from improving screening for high-mortality cancers to ensuring access to SEND education in rural communities.

"I also had the chance to meet some of you out on the doorstep in Prudhoe this weekend. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts on how we can improve the local area. I look forward to meeting more constituents in other communities over the coming weekends and continuing these important conversations.  

"On Monday (September 9) the Transport Secretary announced the new Buses Bill, the government’s first step in improving public transport provisions nationwide. The new legislation will give all local authorities the power to run their own bus networks similar to those of Manchester and London where fares are capped affordably and passengers have a say in the networks they use. 

"The government has published guidance alongside this Bill to support local leaders in bringing buses under public control, helping to speed up the process and bring down costs. The guidance also encourages increased focus on driver welfare and passenger safety, including violence against women and girls on public transport.

"I am incredibly excited by this Bill and look forward to working closely with Labour’s North East mayor, Kim McGuinness, on her existing plans to ensure that we have a bus network that meets the needs of our towns and villages.

"I know that over the years our constituency has lost key bus services with routes being cut and waiting times for buses seeming to lengthen by the day. It is not fair that our rural communities face being cut off from accessing vital services or visiting their own family and friends because bus companies won’t listen to consumers. I am confident that this bill will improve bus services, increasing both the reliability and affordability of buses, no matter where you live.

"On Tuesday (September 10), Parliament voted in favour of introducing means testing for the Winter Fuel Allowance. This was sadly a necessary choice after the reckless overspending and poor economic management by the previous government was laid bare – on a level neither we, nor the public were aware of before the election. Our manifesto committed us to economic credibility – we found a £22bn in-year black hole. We can’t cut money from future years.

"I know this is a policy that has worried some constituents and I want to reassure all of you of the steps this government is taking not only towards rebuilding Britain but also to better supporting the most vulnerable in society. 

"Winter Fuel Payments will still be given to individuals in receipt of Pension Credit and we are currently aware of around 880,000 pensioners who are not claiming the Pension Credit that they are entitled to. As such, the Government is in communication with local authorities to help identify individuals who may be eligible and we have assigned additional staff to the Pension Credit team to ensure these claims are processed by the December 21 deadline.

"There are also plans in place to bring forward the merging of Housing Benefit and Pension Credit, meaning additional pensioners could be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments. The government has enlisted further help from Age UK and Citizens Advice who will be on hand to ensure vulnerable pensioners receive the support they need.

"The government’s Warmer Homes Plan will help to bring down energy costs for many households by funding home insulation, solar panels and low-carbon heating options. This paired with the introduction of Great British Energy, a publicly owned energy company providing homegrown energy will put a stop to sky-high energy bills.

"The government remains committed to the pension triple lock which saw an increase of £900 this year and is estimated by the Treasury to increase by £1,700 over the course of this parliament. In addition, £500m of funding was allocated to the Household Support Fund this week, enabling local authorities to help those struggling with household costs this winter."

To find out if you may be eligible for Pension Credit, please visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or phone 0800 99 1234.

Support numbers for those living in Tynedale, Ponteland and Longhorsley:

  • Age UK Northumberland - 01670 784800
  • Citizens Advice energy helpline - 01670 339749
  • Northumberland County Council - 0345 600 6400

Support numbers for those living in West Newcastle:

  • Age UK Newcastle - 0191 279 0970
  • Citizens Advice energy helpline - 0800 448 0721
  • Newcastle City Council - 0191 278 7878