Purpose

Since 2022 the Council has made available
£4.5m to provide additional support to residents with the
impact of the increased Cost of Living, with £339,000 of this
being directed towards Voluntary and Community Sector grants in
previous years.

The Cost of Living Grant Fund was established using the delegated
authority of the Executive Director of Finance, who reviews all
funding proposals to the Cost of Living Emergency Funding Reserve.
Proposals are assessed against the priorities set by the Vice Chair
of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee and the Lead Member
for Finance and Resources, who also endorse any proposed funding
awards. The establishment of the Cost of Living Grant Fund was
reported to Finance, Policy and Resources Committee on 25th June
2025.

Organisations that were awarded funding from the Cost of Living
Grant Fund in the last two years were invited to apply to a final
round of the fund for 2025/26. This round aims to provide continued
support to existing projects whilst organisations develop practical
steps to transition away from this limited funding source.
Applicants could apply for grants of up to £5,000.

A total of £38,750 has been awarded to eight organisations
for projects supporting residents affected by the ongoing pressures
of the Cost of Living.

In line with other Council small grants, final decision on the Cost
of Living Grant Fund was taken via delegated authority to the
Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with Lead
Members.

Content

The Assistant Chief Executive in consultation
with Lead Members has approved.