Swindon Borough Council’s new administration has presented a comprehensive action plan aimed at assisting families grappling with the rising cost of living. This initiative aligns with one of the council’s long-term objectives to address inequality and focuses on targeted measures to alleviate the financial burden faced by local residents.
The updated action plan outlines the council’s commitment to collaborating with local partners and charities to provide support to those most in need. As part of this initiative, the council will distribute food and energy vouchers worth £3 million through the Government’s Household Support Fund, benefitting numerous Swindon families.
Additionally, approximately 7,000 local children will have access to free meals and engaging activities during school holidays.
To further aid the community, the plan designates around £65,000 in grants to local charities, including £12,000 for the Swindon Food Collective. This funding will help ensure that approximately 11,000 residents have access to essential food and toiletry items. The provision of slow cookers and health grills, accompanied by lessons on their usage for preparing healthy and cost-effective meals, is also part of the plan. Moreover, the council will continue to offer emergency assistance funds to provide vital support to residents in need.
To enhance community well-being, over 38 community “Welcome Spaces” across Swindon will remain accessible throughout the year. These spaces serve as havens from extreme weather conditions, offering shade during hot summers and warmth during cold winters. Additionally, they will provide activities to combat social isolation and loneliness, fostering a sense of belonging and community connection.
Citizens Advice Swindon, a key partner in implementing the action plan, receives grant funding from the council. Their dedicated team of Financial First Aiders has already assisted 190 Swindon residents, helping them secure unclaimed benefits and grants amounting to an impressive £439,234, averaging at £2,311 per person.
To ensure residents are well-informed about available support, the council plans to launch a renewed cost of living campaign. This campaign will provide regular updates on local and national assistance schemes, with a dedicated section on the council’s website featuring a comprehensive list of 20 measures to support residents with the cost of living.
Councillor Jim Grant, the Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, expressed the council’s dedication to supporting those in need and highlighted the challenges posed by high inflation and soaring food prices. “11,000 residents rely on food bank supplies each year,” he said. “It’s a Council priority to support those residents most in need and this renewed action plan sets out the practical, targeted actions to help them.
He also urged residents to check the Council’s website to see if they are missing out on any of the financial assistance and other support measures available.
