Reduce it
Cut fees, live with ease
1. Cap energy tariffs
Energy Bills are predicted to fall again in July but overall prices are still too expensive, and they are nearly double the price of the cheapest pre-crisis fixes.
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The 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranked Walsall as the 25th most deprived English local authority (out of 317). People of the West Midlands already struggle with the cost of energy meaning they cannot afford gas and electricity.
We propose a further cap on energy tariffs to allow families to comfortably pay their bills while still keeping some form of disposable income by reducing it from £1,690 per year.
We propose that through sustainable revenue from a new Carbon Tax implemented to the large corporations that contribute large amounts towards carbon emissions, the Government can make their profits back and help to cap energy prices further, supporting families locally, in Walsall, and nationally and making sure everyone pays the right amount of tax.
2. iNVEST AND PROMOTE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
A survey conducted has concluded that the average cost of owning a car is £3406.80 a year, or £5744.40 for those with car finance. As well as this, the environmental ramifications are significant. UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increased by 6% between 2020 and 2021. It is imperative to reduce this and public transport is the best way to do this.
Recently, in Walsall, we have seen buses getting cancelled and the 45 Bus Route was close to ending. Thanks to locals lobbying, this didn’t go through. In addition, National Express West Midlands, has capped its bus prices for adults at £2 for the rest of 2024, keeping costs at a good rate.
But How?
- Infrastructure Investment- If we invest in Transport Stops/ Stations and the quality of services as well as the reliability, the reputation will increase benefitting society and reducing the costly economic crisis.
- Public Campaigns- Advertising Public Transport further highlighting the successes of Public Transport and how cost saving it can be.
- Integrated Transport Systems- an easier connection between different forms of public transport means people are aware of its reliability and will improve its reputation and therefore overall use.
3. A regular review of the national minimum wage
What is the minimum wage?
- the lowest amount that employers can legally pay their employees.
- the government recently increased the national minimum wage (as of April 2024) to the following:
But how?
It is clear something must be done to address this. We propose a project whereby a new sub-committee is made in conjunction with the Chancellor of the Exchequer (following the general election), the Treasury and the Government department for Business and Trade. This committee should work to review the minimum wage on a regular basis, accounting for the UK’s poorest areas and making the national wage an appropriate amount for all areas.
Inflation, while it is decreasing, was around 3% in April 2024
The UK’s minimum wage, while it is relatively quite high, does not factor the changing economic situation of people in deprived areas into it. University fees are over £9k a year, basic goods are becoming more expensive, unemployment is over 5% in Walsall. The minimum wage is not enough and the system must be changed/reformed.
4. Invest and promote heat pump and solar Panel Schemes
Some key facts
Our proposal
With 80% fewer carbon emissions heat pumps are healthier for the planet. They’re up to 4x more efficient creating heat from even the coldest temperatures.
[Octopus Energy]
The biggest gain [of solar panels] comes from using what you generate – you could save up to £410 a year on your bills and get paid £320 a year for any excess energy you generate
[https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-solar-panels/]
Heat pumps use electricity to extract heat from the air and transfer it into your home. This thermal energy can be used for heating water and maintaining indoor warmth.
Heat pumps are much more efficient than gas boilers, producing three to four times the energy they consume.
We propose a project whereby the cost of solar panels and heat pumps are reduced as in the long-term the prices will be recuperated and families will feel the benefit and the environment and climate change will be reduced by using renewable energy sources, easing the cost of living crisis. In addition, the advantages must be presented to people effectively so they know that they can make the money back plus more.
5. Supermarkets to further promote savers products and reduce the price of essential goods
There are a number of products that can be classed as essential goods. Foods, Personal Hygiene Products, Toiletries, Baby Care Items and so many more products are the essentials that families in Walsall and across the country cannot afford
The average price of an 800g loaf of sliced white bread had risen 28% in 12 months (2022), from £1.06 in November 2021 to £1.36 in December 2022. While this is due, in part, to inflation, tbe prices are still excruciatingly high and families have had to switch to savers products, which simply are not advertised well enough
Of a survey of 41 people, 76% buy savers products while 73% of the same 41 people believe savers products are not well-advertised
But How?
We propose new laws and projects to ensure a certain percentage of annual supermarket advertisements is focused solely on savers products, educating the people and advertising them further. In addition, with respect to reducing the costs of essential goods we strongly believe in the idea of tightening the rules on tax evasion and to create more progressive tax brackets to ensure everyone pays their fair share, subsiding the cost of reducing essential goods for working people and families in Walsall and nationally
EVENTS
Our day of giving (Thursday 13th June) was a huge success. We raised £210.27 and had so many food donations, so a big thank you from us for all of your support. We hope our donations make a difference to the people that need it most!
We have so many resources available for anyone that requires support and we have created a community table to make this information more accessible, including information on our charities for our day of giving.
About us
REDUCEIT. is a campaign (run and led by students) for the inspire us project 2024 with 1 aim; to find innovative solutions to the problems faced by the people of Walsall relating to the cost of living crisis. We have a 5-point plan with measures to alleviate some of the biggest and main issues families face. These solutions include:
1. A further energy bill cap
2. Promoting and Investing in Public Transport
3. A constant review of the national minimum wage
4. Solar Panel and Heat Pump schemes
5. Supermarkets to further promote savers products and reduce the price of essential goods.
We strive to make a difference and leave a lasting impact to be able to say we helped families in our area and in the wider country.
