Newbury MP Laura Farris held a cost-of-living fair

Newbury MP Laura Farris has hosted a cost-of-living fair in Thatcham.

The Conservative MP and her team held the event to provide constituents with advice and support with living costs this winter.

They joined the Department for Work and Pensions and Citizens Advice West Berkshire for the event at the Old Bluecoat School.

A number of organisations and charities including Age UK, Ovo Energy, Home-Start, West Berks Foodbank and West Berkshire Council were in attendance.

They were on hand to give information on the support available including advice on grants, debt management, help with housing and utility costs.

Mrs Farris said: “I am extremely grateful to all the organisations, businesses and charities who attended the fair to speak with constituents and provide comprehensive information on the wide variety of support available.

“There is help available through West Berkshire Council, the utility companies, who can offer reductions for low-income households, and many local charities who can support with everything from white goods, like new washing machines, to food parcels to debt management advice.”

She added: “Any household that is in receipt of means-tested benefits should by now have received their most recent cost-of-living support payment of £300.

“There is a wealth of support that is available through the winter months, from assistance with utility bills to assistance with mortgage payments.

“There have also been significant increases in childcare support across the board and pension credit is available for low-income retirees, which many people are entitled to but don’t know about.”

For those who could not attend, Mrs Farris will be updating her website with all the relevant resources on the support available this winter.