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On Monday, Darlington MP, Jenny Chapman stood up in the House of Commons to reject the Government's public sector regional pay policy, arguing that the pay gap in the north-east is not the result of a thriving public sector, but the legacy of industrial decline and the loss of high-wage jobs in recent decades.

Last week the Chancellor, George Osborne MP, told government departments they can move to local pay bargaining when the overall public sector salary freeze begins to end next year. The Chancellor claims that such a move would increase the quality of public services help the private sector create more jobs and save the Government money. Jenny Chapman MP however, rejected these claims arguing that we should instead be working towards making the economy more equal across the regions.

Jenny Chapman MP went on to say, 'Regional pay will take between £500 million and £1 billion out of the north-east each year. It fixes the wrong problem. The private sector does need to grow, with new enterprises, investments and skills, but regional pay will cause new problems. We already have recruitment difficulties in the north-east for senior public sector posts, and we have lost health services in Darlington because we have been unable to recruit consultants with the right skills mix for the town. That situation will only be made worse.

A graduate doctor coming out of university with considerable debts will want to maximise their income and locate themselves where they can earn the most money and get their debts paid off as quickly as they can. That will probably not be in my constituency of Darlington in future. The mobility of public sector workers is often regarded as a problem. How will regional pay improve it?

This Budget provides tax cuts for the rich and pay cuts for the north, and it will cost more in tax credits and benefits to supplement the incomes of many workers in the public sector who are not well paid. Regional pay is also a bureaucratic nightmare, as the very policy think-tank that came up with it recognises. In the north-east, average pay is £19,000 a year. Just how low do the Government want it to be?'

The cost of living has gone up over recent years, and faster than what earning have. In this economic environment it's hard for families to make ends meet. One of the areas that people can face difficulty is energy. However, with energy prices rising people don't need to face higher bills. Through energy efficiency people can save money. Insulating a home by filling a cavity, or a loft, can save a household around £175 a year. Most energy companies will offer their customers free insulation; you just need to call them.

But there are those people that need that bit more help. The really vulnerable. Not only do they struggle with their bills, but they are also the least likely to come forward to get help. Help that is readily available. This is when communities can come into their own. If you have a friend, or a relative, or just an elderly neighbour, why don't you see if they are getting their homes made warmer.

British Gas recently announced their "Share the Warmth" offer. If you find someone that meets their criteria for insulation, they'll give you £50 for your troubles. They'll also insulate the house of the vulnerable customer, and then give them £50 as well. Neither of you even needs to be a British Gas customer. All you need do is get your friend or relative to call 0800 975 1195, let them know you referenced them, and the get paid.

This is a great opportunity for our community to come together and help those that need help. I hope you'll be able to find some who can access this programme. To find out more about visit www.sharethewarmth.co.uk