Bassetlaw District Council is providing funding of up to £204k to support residents in the district struggling with the ongoing Cost of Living crisis.
Members agreed to make contributions to initiatives in the district, targeting those most in need, at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 15th October 2024.
Concerns about the continuing Cost of Living pressures on residents were highlighted at a summit, hosted by the council earlier this year, involving over 40 local, county, and national partner organisations.
In response, several support initiatives have been identified by the council’s partners, in response to the emerging pressures of winter warmth for pensioners and low income families, debt and welfare advice, social isolation and assistance with food provision.
Cllr Lynne Schuller, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:
"The financial pressures experienced by Bassetlaw residents, over a number of years continue to affect all ages impacting on people’s health and wellbeing.
“Anything we can do, along with our partner organisations, to minimise the effect of the cost-of-living crisis is a key priority, with our support being used to target as many of our most vulnerable residents as possible. We continue to seek to provide equity whilst ensuring our provision is fit for purpose.”
A decision on which initiatives and how much of this year’s funding will be allocated will be determined over the coming months. Alongside this the council continues to offer support through its Money Advice Team and Housing Services Team.
In 2022/23 the council allocated £294k from its reserves for the cost-of-living response, and in 2023/24 £160k of external funding secured by the council was used supporting projects spearheaded by Citizens Advice, Bassetlaw foodbank, Bassetlaw Action Centre, and Warm Spaces.
The council and its partners continue their commitment to work together and support people with the increasing cost of living by providing in person and online information so that people can prepare for the challenges residents may face over the coming months.
Older people in Bassetlaw are also being urged to check if they’re entitled to Pension Credit, which could help with their day to day living costs and allow them to access the Winter Fuel Payment. People over State Pension age need to apply by 21st December, in order to receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment. You can apply by going online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling on 0800 99 1234.
Residents can also find out more about the support available across the district by visiting www.bcvs.org.uk/colbassetlaw
Last Updated on Tuesday, October 22, 2024