Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Johnson introduced the report and explained that the recent increase in the cost of living had come at a time when a combination of factors were impacting on individuals, families, and communities, driving more people into poverty and creating social needs that were not an issue pre-pandemic.

It was therefore important for the Council and its partners to consider what action and support could be provided to communities to mitigate some of those impacts.

The report explored some of the reasons for the crisis, reflected on the response so far and looked to the future response.

In order to address the wide scope of the issues it would be necessary to coordinate the activities of the Council and its partners to ensure that the response and support offered within communities was as wide ranging as possible.  The diagram in the report showed a comprehensive view of the range of support that would be necessary.

The report detailed the response of the Council in the last year and the next steps.  Details of the Winter Fuel Payment Scheme 2022/23, and the qualifying benefits, were also provided in the report.

There was a proposal for Warm Hubs which would provide additional support.  There were 22 community centres within the Council’s own sheltered accommodation schemes across the County.  Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, the Council has been able to reopen a number of those centres for residents to attend classes and coffee mornings to help alleviate loneliness and isolation.

As part of the Warm Hub proposals, residents would be supported to eat well with the provision of a fridge, microwave and Well-Fed meals at each centre, giving the residents the opportunity to eat together or take their meal home with them.  In addition to the centres, the Council would also support community hubs in Shotton and Holywell as well as the community centre in the Holway to become Warm Hubs.

The Benefits Manager reiterated that this was a work in progress and work was continuing to take place on finding ways to support communities to fill any gaps.

The Chief Executive said there were many third sector organisations that the  Council wanted to work with to support local communities.

RESOLVED:

That the update on the cost of living support schemes be noted, and the development of Warm Hubs be supported and approved.