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 Youth Worker (South and Vale)

Oxfordshire County Council
£38220 - £40777
Are you passionate about making a diffe... Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Garage Officer - Harlow Council

Essex County Council
Up to £16.8100 per hour
Garage Officer - Harlow Council Location, HarlowFull time, Temporary - 37.5 hours per week 6 Months Contract* £16.81 PAYE / £21.02 Umbrella Closing Da England, Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Highways Adoption Engineer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 ( £32,597 - £36,363) Grade 9 (£35,412 - £39,152) Grade 10 (£38,220 - £41,771)
We are seeking to recruit a Highways Adoption Engineer (Career Graded). Your primary role will be to ensure that all new roads built within the County Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Highways Assets Technical Officer

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152
We are seeking to recruit a Highway Assets Technical Officer whose primary responsibility will be to ensure that Highways Asset Management is delivere Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Contracts Administrator

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £26,403 - £28,598
A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a full-time Contracts Assistant. This is initially temporary for 18 months. This is an exciting opp Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner