Hello Plymouth. With the freezing weather we’ve been having, I wanted to make sure you knew about support that’s available.

The cost of living crisis has hit lots of folks in our city, and many local services are in a chronic condition after 12 years of Tory austerity. But equally there are fantastic organisations across Plymouth if you need help during this cold spell.

If you are homeless, or want to let the council know about someone sleeping rough so they can provide support, click here.

If you have not received your Energy Bill Support Scheme discount from your energy provider, or are having trouble accessing other support, please do get in contact with my team and we will do all we can to help. You can email me at luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk or call 01752 717255.

In a rich country like Britain, everyone should be able to heat their home. But, despite the support that is available, the bleak reality is that some simply cannot afford to turn their heating on this winter. That’s why I’ve been calling on Plymouth City Council to extend the opening hours of libraries and other public buildings so that everyone has somewhere warm to turn if they need it. You can read more here.

Councillor Mark Coker has been running a similar campaign in Devonport, which you can read about here.

I’m also working with Plymouth Foodbank to fundraise to purchase heated throws for those in need, which are much cheaper to run than central heating. We’ve raised over £2,000 and there’s still time to donate if you are interested. Every penny will make a difference. Details are here.