We all know that many households have been hit by the triple whammy of increasing home energy prices, higher fuel prices, and the chancellor's national insurance tax hike.

Today, more than 2/3 of the taxpayers locally will have had the council tax or ebergy rebate paid straight into their bank account. This will provide immediate relief to many, but it is only temporary, more needs to be done. Commenting, Lib Dem councillor Barry O'Leary noted, "I'm pleased that the local LibDem council has stepped up to the plate again. We will have paid out almost £4 million this bank holiday weekend." 9 out of 10 taxpayers will see the money back in their account now. "

"The fact that this council tax rebate was delivered through district councils shows how important local government is. But we urge central government to do more to help those people struggling." said Barry. "We always think and act local; we took the lead and have committed to extending the council hardship fund to £100,000 by the end of this financial year. Help to those most in need each day of the week.

"The fact that we have had to act in this way shows that this Tory cost-of-living crisis isn't going away and will need more measures and more support urgently. Households should no longer have to choose between paying utilities and bills or feeding themselves, and I urge Boris Johnson and his Chancellor to take more action. I was dismayed to hear that the Chancellor thought it was 'SILLY' to give people in need more help; this shows how out of touch this Conservative government is. Anybody who spends any time on the doorstep locally knows that is the cost-of-living crisis is damaging Somerset's future."