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

Arts Officer Exhibitions – Maternity Cover

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37,602 - £45,564
Arts Officer (Exhibitions) – Maternit... Twickenham, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Traveller Site Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
46142 - 49282
About Us Oxfordshire County Council is seeking a Traveller Site Officer to join our small but brilliant, Gypsy and Traveller Service. We aim to deliver an outstanding service that is community focused, trusted, and inclusive, as well as promoting fairness Kidlington
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Financial Assessment Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
31537 - 34434
Work location
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Senior Voluntary Sector Grants and Project Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Senior Voluntary Sector Grants and Proj... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Director Service Development

North Yorkshire Council
 £100,545 - £111,533 plus relocation support
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in learning more about North Yorkshire Council and this exciting role. Northallerton / hybrid
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner