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.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Workers

Durham County Council
Grade 7, £31,015 - £34,811 per annum
Residential Workers - Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Hub Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 5 (£27,274 -29,542) Grade 6 (£29,071 - £32,046) Grade 7 (£31,015 - £34,811) Grade 8 £33,673 - £37,563)
An opportunity in Highways Services for a Hub Assistant       This is a career graded post from Grade 5 to Grade 8.    WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will supp Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leaders

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £33,673 - £37,563 per annum
Team Leaders – Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area   Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,478 (approx.) £13.27 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service!   Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,976 (approx.) £13.27 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service!   Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner