Leader announces boost to multi-million-pound cost of living support package this winter

More details have been released of a multi-million-pound support package in Kent to help vulnerable residents, families and communities throughout the challenging winter months ahead.

(KCC) Leader, Roger Gough, has outlined an extended package of investment that will help those most in need to access additional support, including help with energy and water costs and free school meal vouchers for eligible families.

The UK is undergoing a prolonged period of economic challenge as it has moved through the pandemic and is now facing a cost-of-living crisis which may be unsustainable for many.

Low-income households are disproportionally affected by the cost-of-living increases as they spend a larger proportion of their income on food and energy than average income households, thereby facing higher inflation.

KCC continues to work with partners to develop a comprehensive and nationally commended Financial Hardship programme to support people struggling with heating their homes and feeding their families throughout the coming months.

The ‘Kent Together’ approach was rapidly developed and adopted during the pandemic, seeing partners across the county coming together in a coordinated effort to deliver the right support in the right places.

Throughout the pandemic, via various Grant funding streams, the Government provided local authorities with the means to provide additional support to vulnerable residents. On 23 March 2022, an extension to the Household Support Fund was announced, which ran until the end of September 2022.

Today Roger Gough told members of the authority that a further £11.065m has now been allocated to Kent.

A number of services within KCC are already providing support where they can, to help people stay safe, healthy and well this winter:

Kent’s libraries provide open and warm spaces that offer a range of free services including books, activities, ICT, WiFi, e-books/e-magazines/e-newspapers, and they are planning a promotional push because not everyone is aware of this offer. The county’s Libraries, Registration & Archives service can also offer spaces so that KCC services and partners wanting to reach people with advice or drop-in surgeries can host these in our libraries.

The Gypsy and Traveller Service is already carrying out a ‘winter preparedness’ campaign for all residents on its sites, highlighting risks and signposting to support and advice.

Our Public Protection team is dealing with a steady increase in scams aiming to exploit the cost-of-living crisis. The service is already seeing sophisticated scams targeting heating cost reduction, council/government financial support grants, fake employment opportunities, and cheap food – financially devastating to those who are caught out. Public Protection is monitoring and coordinating tactical campaigns with partners, and Trading Standards, Kent Scientific Services and Community Wardens will continue to share intelligence, take direct action, and warn and inform the public using our digital and social media channels.

The Kent Community Warden Service provides an essential lifeline for many of our residents. Our wardens are equipped with the knowledge of benefits available to help residents access support and can identify residents in hardship who would be eligible for council tax reductions and make the request on their behalf. They are also identifying and engaging with homeless individuals, helping them into accommodation, and working with District Council community hubs to help link eligible residents into Districts’ hardship funds or to energy/fuel poverty advisers.

For more information of the support available please visit KCC’s Kent Together information on our website by following this link https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/protect-kent-and-medway/help-and-advice-for-residents/kent-together