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Cost of Living Crisis

The cost of living crisis is hitting thousands of households across our constituency. There is help and support available to people and my website has a list of contacts and resources that people can access: www.gillfurniss.com/costofliving.

There is also information about Sheffield City Council’s ‘Welcome Places’. These are warm and welcoming places that people can go to over the Winter.

My team and I are here to help people with their issues, such as problems with benefits or pensions and can raise these with the relevant department or signpost to the best support available.

Islamophobia Awareness Month

I was pleased to join Afzal Khan MP and Zara Mohammed, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month. Islamophobic hate crimes have risen sharply in recent years. I pledge to do all I can to tackle this insidious hatred, which impacts British Muslim communities everywhere.

Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids

I’m proud to support Hallam FM’s ‘Cash for Kids‘ campaign again this year. Each year they work tirelessly to make sure no child goes without a present on Christmas Day.

I was really pleased to visit Cash for Kids earlier this month and see the operation in action. The cost of living crisis has left more families feeling the pressure this year and Cash for Kids are working hard to make sure as many people as possible get a gift this year.

You can find your local drop-off point or donate money at planetradio.com/hallam/cashforkids

I will not be sending out Christmas cards this year and will be donating the money to Cash for Kids instead.

Protecting Pensioners

Earlier in the month I voted to protect the triple lock on pensions. Despite a manifesto promise, the Tories have been forced to consider scrapping the triple lock on pensions after they crashed the economy.

Over 14,000 pensioners in Brightside and Hillsborough would be £895 worse off on average if the triple lock is removed. Across the country almost half a million more pensioners live in poverty than a decade ago.

The Tories already betrayed pensioners over the Triple Lock last year, and it is appalling that they are considering this once again.

Pensioners can’t trust the Tories. Labour will always protect pensioners, working people, and those who need support the most.

Labour’s Shadow Roads Minister

In our move towards achieving net-zero, electric vehicles are vitally important. However, there must be adequate infrastructure in place. At Transport Questions earlier this month I asked the Minister if the Government are serious about supporting the infrastructure roll out.

The UK is currently set to miss the target for electric vehicle charge points by 17 years. This problem is further compounded by the Government delaying the rollout of rapid charge points.

This month I have also met with Nick and David, local active travel campaigners to discuss plans in Sheffield and get their thoughts on the future of active travel.

Casework Corner

Over the last month, my team and I have opened 376 new cases, helping people with their issues and concerns.

The most common issues raised with me were:

• Housing issues
• Asylum application delays
• Benefit and pension issues

Thank you.

In my final community update of the year, I wanted to say thank you for the support constituents have given me and my team over the past year. We have helped thousands of people this year and will be there to do everything we can over the difficult Winter ahead.