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

Senior Highways Inspection Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£39,526 - £43,613 per annum.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Co-ordination Support Officer

Wakefield Council
Grade 5 SCP 8 £26,824 - SCP 11 £28,142
Do you have excellent business administration skills with an interest in working in Adults Social Care? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Engineering Team Manager (Transportation)

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Special A Grade, SCP 42-45, £53,460 - £56,732 per annum
Lead the way. Shape Calderdale’s transport future. Calderdale, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Social Worker Care Co-ordinator

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression) pro rata pa
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Social Worker who places young people at the centre of their practice. This is an exciting opportunity to make Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Accommodation Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699
Are you passionate about preventing homelessness and making a real difference in people’s lives? As an Accommodation Officer in our Independent Livin Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner