Laura Sharman 25 May 2022

District declares a 'cost of living emergency'

District declares a cost of living emergency image
Image: HASPhotos / Shutterstock.com

Mendip has become the latest council to declare a cost of living emergency.

Councillors have declared the emergency motion following concerns that local families will be pushed even deeper below the poverty line unless the Government takes immediate action.

The motion will bring together organisations across the district to help ensure everyone who needs it will receive help.

The council will also write to the Government calling on it to restore the Universal Credit supplement of £20 per week, impose a windfall tax on energy giants and cut the standard rate of VAT to 17.5%. It is also opposing the suspension of the triple-lock on pensions.

Cllr Barry O'Leary, deputy leader of Mendip District Council and portfolio holder for enterprise and finance, said: 'Food prices are through the roof. There's a massive spike in demand at our food banks in Shepton, Frome and Wells. This isn't just an issue for the lowest paid, it affects the squeezed middle just as much.

'We're now living in a country where a few at the top do well, but everybody else is struggling. That is a sign of the cost of living crisis, escalating into a cost of living emergency here in Mendip.'

Eastbourne was the first council in the UK to declare a cost of living emergency earlier this month.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer - FTC

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £26679.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Historic Environment Record OfficerFixed Term, Full TimeUp to £26,679 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Regulatory Solicitor

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £51,356
The Legal Service is part of Legal and Democratic Services (‘LDS’) within the Chief Executive’s Group. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Regulatory Legal Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£27,254 to £34,434 per annum
If you have the relevant skills, drive and ambition to succeed, we want to hear from you! Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner