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Councillors approve cost of living help in the district
04/10/2022
Food vouchers, warm spaces and help with energy efficiency are included in the package
Cherwell District Council’s Executive last night approved a raft of measures to help address the cost-of-living crisis for people living in the district. The package includes help with food, warm spaces and energy efficiency grants.
Councillor Barry Wood, Leader of the Council, said: “We know that many people in the district are struggling, and will struggle, with paying their fuel and food bills, and we want to do all that we can to help them. This cost-of-living support package, which complements the government initiatives already in place, targets those in greatest need.”
As part of the package Cherwell will use around £250,000 to issue two £50 food vouchers to approximately 2,500 households who are currently experiencing significant hardships. The Council will use COVID funding that it has in reserve to pay for this.
As the weather gets colder the council is working with local partners to provide warm spaces where people can drop into, enjoy the warmth, and meet people. Its hoped activities and potential food offerings can also be made available in these spaces.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to private sector landlords to improve energy efficiency in their properties. Many of these are rented to people on lower incomes. The level of grant available is now double the previous maximum amount.
Other elements of the package include providing those in need with a warm meal to eat and one to take away, the Brighter Futures cookery skills programme teaching people how to make the best use of a slow cooker, and the Better Housing Better Health programme to improve housing conditions for people with long term health concerns through telephone support and visits.
In August the council appointed Councillor Phil Chapman as its Food Champion. A Food Insecurity Working Group is also looking at how the council can support people who are experiencing food insecurity.
Councillor Wood said: “It is vital over the next few months that support is provided where and when it is needed most. We are already administering government support efficiently and effectively, making payments as quickly as possible, and we will do the same with our own cost of living support package. As a district council we are close to our local communities, know what is needed and where, and we believe that this support package will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Details of support available to help with the cost of living are available here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam