Agenda item

This report provides Cabinet with an update on the current actions and future planned activities the Council are taking to help mitigate the impact of the Cost-of-Living crisis on our residents, specifically the issue of rising energy bills this winter.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To note that the Council network of “Warm Welcome Spaces” had commenced with the Council’s libraries registered on the warm welcome national website.

(2)      To note that work was under way to develop a cohesive joint offer for residents to access support, advice, warmth and temporary refuge or respite through the network of “Warm Welcome Spaces”.

(3)      To note that the Council will work with partners across Brent to maximise impact and map where offers of support meet the needs and demands of Brent residents.

(4)      To note that a Council Project Group had been established reporting to the Council’s Cost of Living Crisis Working Group, to monitor the take up and impact of the Warm Welcome Spaces approach. Representatives include Customer Access, Public Health, Strategy and Partnerships, Children & Young People: Early Help, Adult Social Care, and the Communications Team.

(5)      To note that meetings of the Group will take place as the autumn and winter season progresses; in order that the impact of actions can be (re)worked, (re)considered and monitored.

(6)      To note that Facilities Management will prioritise maintenance of heating systems across the Council’s estate to maintain the Council’s public offer.

(7)      To note the proposal to progress the action plan tasks to the proposed timetable.

(8)      To note that pursuant to, and within the exercise of the delegated authority of the Corporate Director of Resident Services, limited financial support will be made available in the form of “Warm Welcome Spaces Grants” to community, faith and voluntary groups who make space available throughout the winter season and meet the criteria to offer a Warm Welcome spaces that is inclusive, non-judgmental, and where everyone can expect a warm welcome from staff and volunteers.

(9)      To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resident Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and Culture to set the eligibility criteria in respect of the funds available within the Council’s current budget for a “Warm Welcome Spaces Grant”.

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities & Culture) introduced a report updating Cabinet on the actions being taken by the Council to help mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on residents across the borough, particularly in relation to the issue of rising energy bills over winter.

In considering the report, Cabinet recognised the ongoing impact and challenges being experienced by local residents as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and additional concerns identified in terms of the impact of increased energy bills over the upcoming winter months.  As a result, members were advised that the report detailed the work being undertaken by the Council on a joined up basis alongside the voluntary, faith and community sectors to provide a range of respite and support for local residents, including those struggling with fuel poverty this winter as part of the national “Warm Welcome Campaign”.

Members welcomed the approach outlined within the report, which included the use of libraries to offer warm spaces and provision of advice, guidance and support through the Brent Hubs, Resident Support Fund, Fuel Poverty Toolkit, Financial Support leaflet (already provided for all households) and through the Council’s Digital Inclusion Strategy, with efforts also focussed on mapping the range of resources available working with the Council’s partners and other external organisations to ensure these were available online.

Given the current refurbishment works at Harlesden Library, Cabinet was assured of the work being undertaken to identify an alternative warm space location in that area.

In commending all those involved for their work to develop the overall package of support available for local residents in response to the cost-of-living crisis, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To note that the Council network of “Warm Welcome Spaces” had commenced with the Council’s libraries registered on the warm welcome national website.

(2)      To note that work was under way to develop a cohesive joint offer for residents to access support, advice, warmth and temporary refuge or respite through the network of “Warm Welcome Spaces”.

(3)      To note that the Council will work with partners across Brent to maximise impact and map where offers of support meet the needs and demands of Brent residents.

(4)      To note that a Council Project Group had been established reporting to the Council’s Cost of Living Crisis Working Group, to monitor the take up and impact of the Warm Welcome Spaces approach. Representatives include Customer Access, Public Health, Strategy and Partnerships, Children & Young People: Early Help, Adult Social Care, and the Communications Team.

(5)      To note that meetings of the Group in (4) above would take place as the autumn and winter season progressed; in order that the impact of actions could be (re)worked, (re)considered and monitored.

(6)      To note that Facilities Management would prioritise maintenance of heating systems across the Council’s estate to maintain the Council’s public offer.

(7)      To note the proposal to progress the action plan tasks to the proposed timetable.

(8)      To note that pursuant to, and within the exercise of the delegated authority of the Corporate Director of Resident Services, limited financial support will be made available in the form of “Warm Welcome Spaces Grants” to community, faith and voluntary groups who make space available throughout the winter season and meet the criteria to offer a Warm Welcome spaces that is inclusive, non-judgmental, and where everyone can expect a warm welcome from staff and volunteers.

(9)      To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resident Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and Culture to set the eligibility criteria in respect of the funds available within the Council’s current budget for a “Warm Welcome Spaces Grant”.