Lib Dem MP urges Chancellor for urgent action over cost-of-living after ‘gut-wrenching’ bills hike for families in Epsom & Ewell

Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, expressed her ‘grave concerns’ in a letter to Chancellor, Rachel Reeves - after a series of bill increases came into force, costing constituents thousands of pounds.

Constituents in Epsom & Ewell will pay on average, £111 more per year in gas and electricity, with Thames Water customers set to pay approximately £151 more in their water bills. Council tax, broadband, mobile contracts and vehicle tax have also risen.

The threshold for first-time buyers has been significantly reduced, meaning those purchasing a home at the average first-time buyer price in Epsom and Ewell (£415,000) will now face a £5,750 stamp duty bill, whereas they previously paid nothing.

Businesses and charities who already face mounting pressures, are also set to be squeezed further as a result of the Government’s increases to National Insurance (NI). NI hikes are also anticipated to increase consumer costs, especially in supermarkets, with modelling forecasting food prices could rise by up to 4.2% in the latter half of 2025.

Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire, said:

“This latest round of bill increases are truly gut-wrenching for families, businesses and charities in Epsom & Ewell and will hit the most vulnerable in society the hardest.

“My constituents, like many across the country, now face even more excruciating decisions as a result of this latest squeeze and the Government’s failure to grow the economy, following 14 years of Conservative economic chaos.

“Small businesses and charities, the backbone of our communities, face near-insurmountable pressures as a result of the National Insurance rise.

“A number of my constituents rely on these local charities for assistance. Without urgent additional support, we risk seeing closures that would have devastating consequences for both my constituents, and our local economy.

“My constituents desperately want answers, which is why I have urged the Chancellor to provide concrete measures to ensure people in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead can afford to look after themselves and their families.”