A BOROUGH council has declared a cost of living emergency and demanded that Government takes action to tackle the crisis. 

Eastleigh Borough Council took the decision at a recent cabinet meeting and requested that Government takes measures to reduce pressure on households.

The measures requested include immediately reducing the standard rate of VAT from 20 per cent to 17.5 per cent, re-introducing the pensions triple lock, restoring a Universal Credit supplement of £20 and changing taxation on fuel to transfer the risk of price changes to the Government. 

READ MORE: Cost of living crisis: How Utilita is helping customers struggling with costs

A letter has now been sent from the council to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. 

Daily Echo: Click for more on the Daily Echo's Your Money Matters campaignClick for more on the Daily Echo's Your Money Matters campaign

Leader of the council, Keith House said: "This is a very real crisis that is of grave concern to many of our residents.

"The Government must take definitive action now to protect those who are most vulnerable.

"As a local authority we will do everything in our power to support our residents during this worrying time, but more must be done at central government level to alleviate this crisis."

The motion was put forward by Lib Dem Councillor Liz Jarvis who represents Hamble and Netley.  

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News