Bassetlaw District Council recently hosted the third Cost-Of-Living crisis summit, which addressed the coordinated local response to the cost of living in the district, as well as looking at some of the key concerns for the immediate future.
Around 20 partner organisations from across the district came together to talk about the pressures that local people could face this coming autumn and winter, with many people again expected to struggle with debt, energy and housing costs, including rising mortgage and food costs.
Karen Whitlam, Chief Executive Officer for Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire said: “Last year, we advised over 9,000 people, with the most common concerns being about welfare benefits, debt, and energy costs.
“While numbers are stable, they are still at record levels with 35k appointments made in 2023, as residents come forward with more complex issues.”
Following last year’s summit, the Council allocated £160k to projects in Bassetlaw, providing some financial support for Citizens Advice in the district as well as some funding for Bassetlaw Food Bank’s Community Shop, providing support to those most in need.
Cllr Lynne Schuller, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Bassetlaw District Council said:
“There continues to be a significant financial pressure on Bassetlaw residents, which also impacts on people’s health and wellbeing.
“It is important we work together, with our partner organisations, in preparing to find ways to support vulnerable groups in the district as the autumn and winter months approach.”
The council and many local partners are committed to continue to work together to share information and resources both online and via information booklets to prepare for the challenges residents may face over the coming months as cost-of-living pressures continue.
Residents can find out more about the support available across the district by visiting www.bcvs.org.uk/colbassetlaw
Last Updated on Friday, August 23, 2024