Newcastle City Council has developed an anti-poverty strategy- with a range of support to help those in need.
The cost-of-living crisis is pushing many more Newcastle residents into financial insecurity.
Many people are struggling to make ends meet, with some facing severe hardship.
Support
This year the Council has developed an anti-poverty strategy helping 2,288 households in ”crisis”.
A Prescribing Heat pilot scheme is underway with health care providers to support people who are most susceptible to the impact of cold homes and fuel poverty. The Welfare Rights Service has supported 19,360 households to gain £20m in unclaimed benefits.
If city residents are struggling the local authority can offer a range of support and advice on things like council tax (a developed scheme for 30,000 people on low incomes is in place), energy bills, food, and other support…
If Newcastle residents need ”emergency support” they can call Council’s free Cost of Living helpline – 0800 170 7001.
Sharp rises in energy prices out outstripping wage and benefit increases and putting pressure on day-to-day living activities.
Newcastle City Council are using a range of levers to support residents through this crisis.
In the last year the Council:
- Has been accredited as a Real Living Wage Employer in Real Living Wage week in November 2022.
- Has produced an up-to-date Cost-Of-Living guide to make residents aware of the range of support on offer.
- Has provided a network of 94 winter wellbeing spaces – the recent ‘Winter Wellbeing’ campaign helped over 770 households to get emergency energy and food.
- In partnership with the city’s Voluntary and Community sector (VCS), the Holiday Activity Fund reached 9,623 children and young people.
- Has invested over £500.000 into key support services delivered by the VCS.
- Has funded a £2m Council Support Tax Support scheme with 16,000 low-income residents exempt from council tax.
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