The Director of Public Health will deliver a presentation on the Council’s response to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Minutes:
The Director of Public Health submitted a presentation updating the Committee on the Council’s response to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Director of Public Health and the Deputy Director of Finance presented the item, it was noted that:
· This was a follow-on update following a previous All-Member Briefing on the issue.
· Consumer prices continued to rise at a dramatic rate, particularly impacting on food and energy prices. Due to the national economic climate, there was uncertainty on what Government interventions would be taking place going forward.
· It was estimated that in Leicester, 40% of the population were earning less than £20k a year, which was the group being hardest hit by rising prices.
· When adjusted for inflation, people were spending less on groceries.
· There was various discretionary support currently available, including the Discretionary Housing Payment, Council Tax Discretionary Relief, and Community Support Grant.
· 96% of city households were eligible for the Council Tax Energy Rebate, this scheme had now finished.
· The Household Support Fund would run until March 2023 and was focused on supporting ‘just about managing’ households largely with energy costs. The fund would also support food banks.
· The DWP were also providing various one-off payments for ‘benefit’ households. All households received the energy rebate and energy credit payments.
· The Council was monitoring the impact of the crisis on residents to see what could be done to give further support. This included looking at levels of stock for food banks.
· A support programme had begun for foodbanks.
· Engagement with external partners such as the universities and NHS around the crisis was ongoing.
· Work was ongoing to promote pre-existing support schemes such as the Healthy Start and Better Off programmes.
· Foodbank staff were being offered mental health training.
· The Warm Welcome Network offered up city libraries for those who needed a warm space.
· The Council was also providing workshops on how to manage with increased cost of living.
· Foodbanks were currently coping well with the extra demand.
· Work was ongoing with the National Energy Advice Service on the Fuel Poverty and Health Programme, which would lead to Leicester having dedicated energy advisers.
· Over the October half-term, 6 Pop-Up Pantries were put on across the city to give out various meals and hygiene products in collaboration with Samworth Brothers. Over 6k children were provided with meals.
In response to questions from Members and Youth Representatives it was noted that:
· To support those with no access to benefits, the Council would attempt to support anyone who approached the Council for help. There was some discretion around the eligibility for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. Schools could make the Council aware of any families not eligible for free school meals who needed support.
· It was hoped that grants could be provided to community organisations to support mutual aid. The value of mutual aid was noted.
· The food from the Pop-Up Pantries was paid for with a grant.
· The Holiday Activities and Food Programme included nutritional education and aimed to engage with the whole family. Individual schools also had their own work to support families.
· Work was ongoing to try and improve free school meal registration.
· Work was ongoing to food banks on what other payments were available to them. Food banks were being supported via the Household Support Fund.
Members of the Committee praised the work of Officers and volunteers, with particular praise being given to the Pop-Up Pantries.
AGREED:
1. That the Cost-of-Living Crisis be added as a standing item to the Committee agenda.
2. That Officers inform Committee Members as to how many families in Leicester use foodbanks.