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Roundtable meeting shapes countywide response to cost-of-living crisis
10/10/2022
All six Councils and a number of organisations shared ideas
Politicians from across Oxfordshire took part in an online roundtable discussion last week to talk through what could be done to help local people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. They were joined by representatives from a number of organisations that work with residents.
Support for the most vulnerable and keeping communities strong and resilient was the core focus for the meeting, which also looked at gaps in the current package, the sharing of information, and working together.
Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equalities, said: “We’re all looking with increasing concern at the financial pressures many of our residents face as we head towards the winter. We know too well the impact that poverty can have on physical and mental well-being. Evidence shows a direct link between deprivation and health outcomes, including life expectancy.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to bring organisations across the county together to share information about our respective responses to the cost of living crisis and reinforce our common purpose.”
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet has already agreed to making £2 million of funding available for a number of projects. Cherwell District Council has also agreed a package of local support.
Councillor Phil Chapman, Cherwell’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: “At Cherwell District Council we’re allocating additional funding to give the households in the greatest hardship two £50 food vouchers in time for Christmas. Qualifying households will hear from us in the coming weeks, and we’re also creating a warm spaces network to provide venues where people can drop in, enjoy the warmth, and meet people.
“As we head into winter, I am determined to make the best use of our community networks and local partnerships to benefit our residents. North Oxfordshire includes some of the most economically deprived wards in the county and our attendance at this roundtable event reflects our commitment to working across the Oxfordshire system to make sure the help given to all our residents reflects their level of need.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam