Issue - meetings

(a) That the Committee support the ongoing work to manage the impacts that welfare reform and the cost-of-living crisis has, and would continue to have, on some of the most vulnerable residents; and

(b) That the Committee note the support measures implemented via Welsh Government and the Council to mitigate impacts.

(c) That the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, write to the Minister for Works and Pensions to ask for consideration to be given to removing the cruel bedroom subsidy, which would elevate people out of the cost of living crisis.

The Service Manager (Housing Welfare and Communities) presented a reportto provide information around the impacts of Welfare Reform and the cost of living crises on residents and the range of measures being implemented to help those affected to try, where possible, to mitigate the negative impacts.

Councillor Helen Brown recommended an additional recommendation, that a letter be written by the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, to the Minister for Works and Pensions to ask for consideration to be given to removing the cruel bedroom subsidy, which would elevate people out of the cost of living crisis.

Following a question around the winter fuel allowance, the Service Manager (Housing Welfare and Communities) said that she would circulate a link to the Council’s website showing information and the location of warm hubs across the County, to the Committee following the meeting.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee support the ongoing work to manage the impacts that welfare reform and the cost-of-living crisis has, and would continue to have, on some of the most vulnerable residents;

(b)       That the Committee note the support measures implemented via Welsh Government and the Council to mitigate impacts; and

(c)       That the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, write to the Minister for Works and Pensions to ask for consideration to be given to removing the cruel bedroom subsidy, which would elevate people out of the cost of living crisis.