Plymouth City Council’s new administration is to step up support for families impacted by the rising cost of living, Council Leader Tudor Evans has pledged.
A report to new administration’s first Cabinet meeting outlines the Council’s renewed approach to responding to the cost of living crisis, including launching a new cost of living working group to oversee an action plan for supporting those most affected.
The Council works closely with a wide range of partners and specialist agencies to identify those who need support, signpost help that is available and work to address the barriers that prevent people receiving all the support they are eligible for.
The Cost of Living Action Plan will aim to ensure that all available resources are used in the most effective way to support residents through the crisis and to develop resilience within communities.
Last week the Council agreed how more than £4.5 million from the Household Support Fund will be used to help more than 34,000 Plymouth households.
Councillor Evans said: “The cost of living crisis continues to hit most Plymouth people hard and there’s little sign of things settling down any time soon. Fuel costs, gas and electricity bills, rents, mortgages and the cost of the weekly shop have all been rising. We know that many people are struggling to make ends meet and how this can have an impact on all areas of their lives, including their health and wellbeing.
“As a new administration that wants the best for Plymouth residents and for our city, we are prioritising helping people most affected by the rising cost of living. Our action plan will make sure there is a joined up approach with our partners across the city, that help goes where it is needed most and that the impact of the rising cost of living is considered in everything we do as an organisation.
“We will also be fighting to make sure that Plymouth receives the support it needs from the Government.
“This is an urgent issue and there is a lot to do but we are committed to making a difference. We have already ensured funding is in place to support the work of the Cost of Living Working Group, as well as for the ongoing work to address child poverty in the city.”