Households here in Loughton and Epping Forest are just about to experience the biggest fall in their living standards since records began as they face soaring inflation, tax increases and rising energy bills.

As just one local councillor I am really surprised and perplexed by the silence of our district council leadership and our local MP for Epping Forest on these issues.

I would like to know what our council leadership and our local MP are going to do to increase the support available for families and individuals facing this dire situation.

One thing I do know is that we are blessed in this area to have the Epping Forest Foodbank and 3Food4U community food surplus hubs operating across the district, very largely driven by the passion and hard work of local volunteers.

Without these two groups operating many more local families would be in an even more difficult situation.

Stephen Murray

Independent Loughton Councillor