FLINTSHIRE Council's Cabinet says it will review a report on cost of living support schemes and a proposal to develop “warm hubs” in the county.
These will be among the topics discussed when members next meet on Tuesday, September 20.
The recent increase in the cost of living has come at a time when a combination of factors are impacting on individuals, families, and our communities, driving more people into poverty and creating social needs that were not an issue pre-pandemic.
It is therefore important for the council and its partners to consider what action and support should be provided to its communities to mitigate some of these impacts.
READ MORE: Flintshire: 'Overwhelming' response to new cost of living group
The crisis is expected to deepen over the winter and a recent poll revealed that one third of those surveyed fear they will be unable to pay their energy bills this year.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Roberts, said: “Over the last year or so, the Council has been supporting residents in many ways. These include Well Fed Flintshire (a partnership with Can Cook and Clwyd Alyn) supplying a mobile shop service and a Meals on Wheels service. We have also opened two community support hubs in Shotton and Holywell as well as ensuring as many residents who are eligible for financial support receive it.
“We will be introducing more services to support our residents in these extremely difficult times. These include expanding the Well Fed food service and introducing two more support hubs. We will continue to coordinate efforts with our partners, third sector organisations and volunteers to increase capacity and reach.”
The report also presents a proposal to introduce “warm hubs” to ease the worry for people struggling with costs, food poverty and isolation.
PIC: Warm Hubs would offer food to those who need it most.
The proposal would see the 22 community centres in the council’s sheltered housing schemes, as well as the community hubs in Shotton and Holywell and the community centre in the Holway, become warm hubs over the winter months.
The council wants to work with other organisations and centres to ensure as wide a coverage as possible.
The warm hubs would have a fridge, microwave and Well-Fed meals, giving residents the opportunity to eat together or take their meal home with them.
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Councillor Paul Johnson, cabinet member for Finance and Social Inclusion, said: “It’s quite unbelievable that in the 21st Century we are having to take action to keep our citizens warm. The energy crisis is already having an impact on people in our communities and the situation out there in Flintshire is likely to get worse for those who are already struggling to make ends meet.
"I applaud this initiative and look forward to working closely with existing community organisations to increase the reach of this activity so that all areas of the County are adequately covered.”
Councillor David Coggins-Cogan said: "Personally, I’m incredibly saddened that we’re in this position. We’re in the top ten richest countries in the world, and yet a local council is having to provide warm rooms for its citizens. We call on the Westminster Government to urgently respond to this crisis with compassion.”
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