I know there is one issue above all others which is worrying myself and other people at the moment – the issue of soaring fuel prices. I am determined that people who work hard in Harlow and surrounding areas won’t be left alone to face the high energy bills that are the result of the global rises in energy prices over the past few months.

I was discussing this issue with a constituent recently who was extremely concerned that he wouldn’t be able to meet rising fuel costs as both he and his wife lived on incapacity benefit. They were not eligible to access a free service provided by their energy company to offer free heating insulation as they lived in council accommodation.

I felt that much more needed to be done – the Government and the energy companies are the only ones who can help the worst affected in our community.

So I was delighted last week when the Government announced £1 billion of extra assistance to help with fuel bills this winter. I am strongly supporting this package, backing a new obligation on energy companies that will require them to do more to improve people’s insulation and cut bills in Harlow, and I thought I would use my regular column in this newspaper to let you know what this means for you.

From Thursday 11 September, every household in Harlow is eligible for at least 50% off loft and cavity wall insulation, with this available to many lower income and pensioner households free of charge.

Cold weather payments for the most vulnerable will be increased from £8.50 to £25 per week. The Government is increasing its funding for the Warm Front central heating programme by £74 million over the next two years, adding to the 361 households in Harlow that last year that benefited from the scheme.

The national helpline for more information on this programme is 0800 512 012. Any constituents who think they may be eligible for the extra savings can also contact my office directly on 01279 439 706.