Coordinated local response to rising cost of living is underway

The Council is coordinating a local response to the cost of living crisis that is affecting many of its residents and communities.

This builds on a long track record of tackling financial hardship and a long-term plan to address poverty across the borough.

The response will focus on food, fuel, financial assistance, advice and wellbeing and will evolve over time as the situation develops. It will be closely aligned with national support available and utilise funding from the government’s national Household Support Fund. It will also involve working very closely with a range of local organisations and community groups and whilst it won’t be possible to tackle all issues, it will support a coordinated approach.

One element of the local response will be to offer residents access to warm hubs through the autumn and winter months. The Council will be working with a range of organisations to offer these across the borough to support residents.

 Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Poverty and Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins, said: “We understand the pressures facing households as the cost of living continues to increase. As a Council we are determined to do all we can to support residents, focussing on actions we can undertake locally that can improve people’s situations. We will also be taking stock of national announcements which will link very closely with our response.

“There is still time for people living in properties with a Council Tax band A – D to claim their £150 energy rebate or to apply for help with food, fuel and other essential costs through the Household Support Fund. I would urge anyone who is struggling financially to go on the Council’s website or get in touch by phone. In these difficult times the Council does not want anyone to miss out on support that’s currently available.”

Further details of the local response will be issued in the coming weeks.

Find out more about the energy rebate scheme 

Tel: 0300 123 7022 option 5 for rebates.

Find out more about the Household Support Fund

The Council’s cost of living support page provides advice for residents that may be struggling with the cost of living crisis, including information about welfare rights, benefits and debt advice, and support getting all the money you're entitled to.

Cost of living support