Cost of living crisis: Council pledges support package for people of Hull
‘DIFFICULT TIMES’: Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council
By Rick Lyon
The city council has announced a “cost of living rescue package” of measures to support people in Hull who are struggling in the current economic climate.
It includes a dedicated hotline, online information and advice hub and email address to help residents access the help they need.
The measures will help connect people with advice, information and support, including how to check they are claiming any benefits they are entitled to, food bank details, grants and more.
The council has also pledged to work with local businesses and community and voluntary organisations to create “warm spaces”. These will be free to use places where people can stay warm, charge phones and have hot drinks. Similar facilities are in place in other areas around the country, as rocketing fuel bills prevent people being able to heat their homes.
A package of measures will also be put forward to the council’s cabinet later this month which, subject to agreement and government funding, will provide further support.
The council is working with partners in the Hull Cost of Living Network, including Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) and voluntary sector support group Forum, to agree the emergency support.
Measures which could be given the go-ahead include:
Food vouchers of £15 per week during school holidays for those who usually receive free school meals.
Funding of £25,000 towards supporting local food banks.
A £25,000 budget to help create more “warm spaces”, which businesses will be able to apply for funds from.
An increase to the funding pot for those on low incomes to access a new boiler or improved insulation.
Additional funding for the Warm Homes project, which provides fuel poverty advice services for householders.
A one-off payment of £100 to under-25s who are care leavers or receiving housing benefit or council tax support.
£100,000 in tenancy support for those living in private rented and council homes.
SUPPORT PACKAGE: Hull City Council has pledged to support residents struggling with the cost of living crisis
Other measures around housing, finance, health, debt and fuel and energy are also under consideration, the council has said.
A high-profile campaign, titled Hull Together, has been launched to ensure people understand how to ask for help and advice. Information including the advice hub email, phone number and web address will be advertised on posters, leaflets, online, and in public spaces, including translations in languages commonly spoken locally.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is terrible that these things are needed in the 21st century, but sadly this year they are. Earlier this year we declared a cost of living crisis and this package sets out the latest action in the council’s response.
“The cost of living crisis, whether it is unmanageable fuel bills or ever increasing food prices, is continuing to affect us all. It will be acutely felt by those who were already struggling, while those who didn’t need help before may now need to be supported. We are facing a winter where thousands of people in the city cannot afford the basics they need in fuel and food.
“While this happens, we will not stand by. From food banks to support lines to warm homes, we will do whatever we can to be there for residents across the city.
“Of course, the power to effect real change lies with central government and the new prime minister, and we still hope there will be further support and action announced.
“During these difficult times, I would also ask everyone to look out for each other. The residents of Hull demonstrated this community-minded approach throughout the pandemic and it is undoubtedly the case we need to see it again.
“Checking in on neighbours or those you believe are struggling could make all the difference to them. I know we can help each other get through this by pulling together.”
The hotline number is 01482 300 303, the email address is costofliving@hullcc.gov.uk, and the online hub can be found at hull.gov.uk/costofliving.