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

Chief Executive

Cumberland Council
£188,227
Cumberland is a special place Cumbria
Recuriter: Cumberland Council

Finance Officer - Central Payments Team, within P2P

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum
Finance Officer - Central Payments Team, within P2PPermanent, Full Time£25,959 to £28,621 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Finance Officer - Supplier Maintenance Team (P2P)

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance Officer - Supplier Maintenance Team, within P2P.Permanent, Part Time£25,959 to £28,621 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

ACL Project & Partnership Coordinator

Essex County Council
£29347.0000 - £34525.0000 per annum
ACL Project & Partnership CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£29,347 to £34,525 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Ugobus Driver - Clacton

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum + pension
Ugobus Driver - ClactonPermanent, Part Time£25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner