Labour urges WCC leadership to lobby the government to protect key services

In response to the cost of living crisis and rising inflation, the Labour Group on Warwickshire County Council is asking the council to set up an online ‘Cost of Living’ hub.  The Hub would be a ‘one stop shop’ where struggling residents could go to get practical and financial advice to help with bills, reduce energy costs and access any grants or financial help that is available in Warwickshire.

Cllr Sarah Feeney, who proposed the idea to Warwickshire County Council at this week’s council meeting, said:

“Whilst we have limited resources locally as council budgets have been cut back over the last ten years, there is help available for people that are struggling.  We are really keen to make sure it is as  easy as possible for people to find support.  We have suggested that the Council develop a ‘Cost of Living’ hub that expands on the information already available on the Country website and links to other relevant organisations locally that are offering help and support.”

In addition, Labour are asking WCC to convene a local Cost of Living Emergency Summit, inviting stakeholders such as Citizen’s Advice, food banks, trade unions, charities and other organisations who are well placed to help people with the crisis.

Cllr John Holland from Warwick said:  “We want to make sure WCC takes the lead here, working with community and voluntary organisations.  We are thinking that in partnership with other groups and partners, we can create a network of welcoming spaces where people can spend time, have access to Wi-Fi, free activities and practical support.

“Most importantly, we should be lobbying the government to protect our services.  We are faced in real-terms with further funding cuts to Local Authorities because of inflation and we need to protect our children’s services and adult care.  Our services have been progressively eroded over the last ten years because of lack of funding and now people really need those services.”