Rise in people seeking help from council as cost of living crisis bites

Council sets out support for local residents

By Natalie Bloomer

The number of people seeking financial support and advice from certain departments within West Northamptonshire Council is increasing.

A new cabinet report highlights the key financial concerns local residents are raising and outlines the actions being taken to help.

It says the feedback being received from customers includes:

• A reliance on the £150 rebate, Free School Meals and the Household Support Fund vouchers 

• A reliance on food banks or the food packs provided by the council’s One Stop Shop

• Lack of financial contingencies – no savings or alternative sources of income 

• Risk of debt and payday loans 

• Inability to afford utilities 

• Reduction in the ability to travel (cost of petrol, bus fares) 

A new ‘cost of living support area’ has been added to the council’s website which signposts information and advice from WNC and various agencies. The report says that since the page went live a few weeks ago it has already been viewed over 3,000 times.