For many, the cost-of-living crisis was already with them even before fuel and energy prices rocketed.

A recent visit to thank volunteers at Runcorn & District Foodbank highlighted the growth in the numbers being fed from 3,295 in 2017-18 to 5,881 in 2021-22 – a massive 78% rise.

Many of those in receipt of food vouchers are working but in low income jobs – that’s a disgrace in a rich country like the UK.

I look forward to the day when foodbanks no longer exist, and I don’t have to thank those hard-working volunteers anymore.

Worryingly, Halton Credit Union is also reporting that loan sharks are circling as people struggle to make ends meet.

The Tories’ response to the cost of living squeeze has been pitiful. Keen to move the headlines away from Partygate – but also thanks to pressure from Labour – Chancellor Rishi Sunak belatedly adopted our windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas producers to fund extra support.

It’s a step in right direction but more needs to be done.