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

Virtual School Advisory Teacher

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767 per annum
Virtual School Advisory Teacher
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 13 £49,178 - £52,937 per annum
Are you passionate about infrastructure, partnership management and making a real impact? Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Business Architect

Essex County Council
£60049 - £70645 per annum + Hybrid working, Flexible working
Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 12 months.Join a Council Shaping the Future of Pub England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Electrical Manager

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 12 £44,433 - £47,925 per annum
Are you ready to take on a pivotal leadership role in managing electrical systems across Derbyshire’s highway network? Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Senior Service Product Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum
Do you have experience in product management are looking to build your expertise? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner