Decision details

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report providing an overview of the current position regarding the cost of living crisis and which highlighted measures being undertaken nationally to address such issues. The report also focussed upon the local approach being undertaken from a welfare and financial inclusion perspective, highlighting the key actions and programmes.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted the current position in Leeds with regard to the cost of living crisis and provided an overview of the key actions being taken and proposed to address the challenges faced.

Members discussed the role of Government in such matters. Also, the Board considered the importance of reflecting on the experience gained from the supportive approach taken during the pandemic and how that could be utilised when looking to support communities throughout the cost of living crisis.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board further considered the role of the Council in this area and received details on how the supportive approach taken by the Council continued to adapt to current circumstances, and the ways in which this approach would continue to evolve, with officers undertaking to provide further detail to the Member in question, if required.  In discussing the proposed key areas of focus moving forward, specific reference was made to the establishment of a cross-cutting welfare group, with further detail being provided on the intended work programme, timeframe and reporting mechanisms for that group. 

In conclusion, Opposition Groups were invited to become involved in the welfare group and the associated work that it would undertake.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, be noted, and that the approach being adopted, as outlined within the report, be endorsed;

(b)  That the next steps, as set out fully in paragraphs 94-99 of the submitted report, be endorsed, which will accelerate progress towards the mission set out in the Best City Ambition through:-

·  Ensuring the three pillars of the Best City Ambition strongly and consistently reflect the challenges of tackling poverty and inequality.

·  Transitioning to a new performance framework for the Best City Ambition to reinforce and embed linkages between the three pillars in tackling poverty and inequality.

·  Establishing a breakthrough priority with the aim of: “working together across sectors to harness the capacity and capability in the city, its communities and those with lived experience to develop a city solution to welfare provision and addressing the cost-of-living crisis – with a specific focus on food, fuel, housing and digital inclusion”.

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer for Community Hubs, Welfare and Business Support will be responsible for overseeing and implementing the actions and recommendations as detailed above and included within the submitted report.