Issue - meetings

AGREED that Cabinet:

a)        note how the Council has responded so far to the cost of living challenges, and approve further work on potential projects as set out, for example in paragraph 2.1.1 of the report with a view to the creation of a Cost of Living Response fund to support our community objectives of creating vibrant and self-sufficient local communities where residents look out for each other and actively contributing to the local area and to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents;

b)       note that a further report will be brought to Cabinet with costed proposals for consideration within a cost envelope of approximately £150,000; and

c)        grant delegated authority to the Portfolio Holder – Strategy, Performance & Finance after consultation with the S151 Officer and the relevant Portfolio Holder and the other Members on the Cabinet for any urgent individual allocations required in the interim period.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Performance and Finance, presented a report which  set out the Council’s approach to supporting the District through cost of living challenges and sought to commission further work on potential projects to support delivery of activities to help those who are in need. The report outlined the measures the Council had taken to date in response to the cost of living challenges and how the Council were acting as a landing site for partner organisations to feed initiatives and to ensure timely signposting and support for residents.

A potential budget of £150,000 had been identified to support residents and businesses, and where possible, supporting community partners to deliver services in their neighbourhoods rather than direct delivery. The funding would enable the Council to react quickly as needed to provide targeted support for various projects.

AGREED (unanimously) that Cabinet:

a)      note how the Council has responded so far to the cost of living challenges, and approve further work on potential projects as set out, for example in paragraph 2.1.1 of the report with a view to the creation of a Cost of Living Response fund to support our community objectives of creating vibrant and self-sufficient local communities where residents look out for each other and actively contributing to the local area and to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents;

b)      note that a further report will be brought to Cabinet with costed proposals for consideration within a cost envelope of approximately £150,000; and

c)      grant delegated authority to the Portfolio Holder – Strategy, Performance & Finance after consultation with the S151 Officer and the relevant Portfolio Holder and the other Members on the Cabinet for any urgent individual allocations required in the interim period.

Reasons for Decision

To provide practical support for residents and businesses through the cost of living challenges.

Options Considered

Not to consider further projects to address cost of living challenges, however it is considered appropriate to support residents and businesses during this period.