At their meeting next week, Sefton Council’s Cabinet will receive details of the bleak winter being faced by households and companies across the Borough, as a result of the growing, national Cost of Living crisis.

The report says the Council will demonstrate strong leadership and work with partner organisations to reduce the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on local people.

Local jobs and incomes

Sefton Council will also work to protect local jobs and incomes by providing what support it can to companies and organisations across the Borough struggling to stay in business in the face of steeply rising operational costs. 

And the Council will continue to work at the highest levels nationally to influence policies towards tackling poverty. It will also highlight the harmful physical and mental health impacts that poverty can have and how young people’s long-term life chances are restricted as a result.

Dedicated

Immediate actions the Council has taken include setting up a dedicated Cost of Living section on its website, at www.sefton.gov.uk/cost-of-living. There people can find information on a range of topics including Fuel Bills and Energy Saving and help with Rent and Council Tax.

Health & Wellbeing, Foodbanks & Food Pantries and Jobs & Volunteering are other subjects covered.

In addition, the Council is producing a quick reference fact sheet that can be printed off as well as downloaded, providing people with quick links on where to go for support and advice.

Bills set to rocket

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “With their gas and electricity bills set to rocket and inflation rising to the highest rate in 40 years, households and business across Sefton will be wondering just how they are going to get through the coming winter and beyond.

“While Sefton Council has no magic solutions and like councils across the UK is hit by the same rises in costs to run its operations and services, it is vital we recognise people’s plight and work with our partners to provide what support and advice we can.”

Child Poverty Strategy

Next month’s Cabinet will also be considering the Council’s Child Poverty Strategy which will be underpinned by a partnership Action Plan.

Details of next week’s meeting can be found here.