Purpose

Decide
whether to continue (and potentially expand) the cost of living
support programme during 2025-26. 
 

Content

Cabinet:

a)   
Agreed £40,000 funding for 2025-26 to continue and embed the
existing programme of Cost of Living
projects to include:

                         
i.   
Project budget for cost-saving products at £30,000

                        
ii.   
Project budget for period products at £10,000

b)   
Noted the proposal to run an Invitation to Tender process for the
continuation of the Emergency Food Parcel service using existing
and available funds.

c)   
Agreed £64,000 funding for 2025-26 for the proposal for Phase
3 projects to include:

                         
i.   
Income Maximisation Officer for one-year Fixed Term contract at a
cost of £47,000

                        
ii.   
Educational Readiness Support for young people aged 11+ at a cost
of £10,000

                       
iii.   
Financial Skills Support workshops at a cost of £3,000

                      
iv.   
Digital Skills Support workshops at a cost of £4,000

d)   
Agreed £47,000 funding for 2025-26 to continue the role of
the Cost of Living Project Officer to
embed and expand the programme.

e)   
Agreed the proposal for the Project Officer to create a
Cost of Living strategy and/or
operational plan.

f)    
Noted that the term of these proposals was the 2025-26 financial
year. The Council’s Cost of Living programme was planned
to conclude on 31 March 2026. At a future point the position
regarding the Cost of Living Crisis
would need to be reassessed to see if any further Council support
was required.