A COUNCILLOR is calling for Test Valley Borough Council to declare a 'cost of living emergency'.

As previously reported, the cost-of-living crisis refers to the fall in disposable incomes.

In early February, the government announced some measures to respond to high energy prices. The former chancellor Rishi Sunak announced some more general policies to support household budgets.  

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On September 7, the borough council will debate a motion asking for a cost-of-living emergency to be declared.

The motion will be put forward by Cllr Nik Daas, who represents the Romsey Abbey ward.

Cllr Daas said: "I feel that as a local representative of Test Valley and the area I grew up in, I should take this opportunity to representative the views of residents on the biggest issues facing us all. 

“As a council, it is our duty to protect our residents and businesses, and by passing this motion we can take a step further to do this"

The motion will also call on MPs to put pressure on the government to reduce the standard rate of VAT from 20 per cent to 17.5 per cent for one year, saving the average household a further £600 this year.

Along with ensuring the government honours its commitment to reinstating the pensions triple lock to support Test Valley pensioners; implementing an energy price cap on heating oil and put in place an energy price cap for energy bills of Test Valley businesses which currently face uncapped energy bills.

The motion will be debated next week on September 7.