Re: Bob Seely’s column about striving to keep up the good work (CP online, 29-11-22).

I remain confounded by the complacency of our Isle of Wight MP. 

Times are not just “a little tough” and no amount of rhetorical prestidigitation can ease the daunting burden shouldered by many Islanders facing terrible hardship this winter. 

Energy bills are going through the roof as those of us who were faced with direct debits of four times last year’s monthly payment will know.

READ MORE: "I am having to penny-pinch" Islanders lay bare daily cost of living struggle 

How many people have been taken aback by the latest wheeze on the part of petrol suppliers whereby £100 holding charge is extracted from a credit/debit account plus the cost of petrol as they fill up to go to work?

The “holding charge” may disappear in three to four days when the credit card company’s software catches up with the transaction, but meanwhile, for the poorer customers, food purchases may have to be put on hold until there are sufficient funds to cover the cost.

As the consumer forks out more and more to inflate the bank balance of suppliers and indemnify them against losses elsewhere in the system, why is the government not doing more to support ordinary people? 

Global sums targeted at specific groups sound considerable, £49 billion is not to be sneezed at, but when divided between so many — nationally, not locally — it hardly makes a dent in people’s outgoings.

The answer is simple. If Isle of Wight residents are to survive the coldest, hungriest months, legislation is needed to keep the demands of suppliers reasonable and payment methods affordable.

I’d like to see Mr Seely spearhead that kind of initiative to win my vote in two years’ time.

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