Norwich South MP Clive Lewis has renewed calls for the two-child benefit cap and recent welfare cuts to be scrapped during a parliamentary debate, citing the growing pressures of low pay, high living costs, and rising housing expenses on families across the region.
Mr Lewis argued that too many households are “trapped” by financial hardship and called for a long-term, targeted strategy to address the cost of living crisis.
“I am pleased that the UK government is already taking steps that can help if sustained and expanded from the Household Support Fund for councils to targeted Cost of Living Payments for those on the lowest incomes and investment in home energy efficiency to cut bills,” he said.
“These measures ease pressure on families, but they need to be part of a wider, long-term plan. I am also urging that we take back our water companies and run them in the public interest and not for profit.
“Abroad, rent caps in Spain, regulated energy prices in France, large-scale public housing investment in Singapore that keeps ownership costs far below market rates, and sector-wide wage agreements in New Zealand show how targeted action can deliver real cost of living relief. But it also means being willing to challenge the fat cats who profit from keeping prices and housing costs high.”
Key Issues Raised
- Pay and Work:
Median weekly pay in Norwich is £574, compared with the UK average of £642. Official data shows 1 in 5 workers earn below the real Living Wage and 1 in 6 are in insecure work. - Housing:
The median private rent in Norwich has risen by 22% since 2021, with 1 in 4 private renters in the East spending over 40% of their income on housing (Shelter and Government data). - Rising Costs:
Food insecurity in January 2025 was double the level reported in 2021 (Resolution Foundation). - Regional Inequality:
The East of England receives below-average per capita public investment (Institute for Fiscal Studies).
Government Response
The Treasury says it has increased the National Living Wage and minimum wage as part of measures introduced in the spring budget, aiming to help improve living standards across the UK.
