Decision details

Further to Minute No. 73, 19^th October 2022, the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report which provided an updated position on the cost-of-living situation in Leeds, and which reflected upon national policy interventions and the actions being taken by the Council and partners in response to such matters from a welfare and financial inclusion perspective.

The Executive Member introduced the report highlighting the key aspects within it, which included an update on the related training which had recently been provided by the Financial Inclusion Team to Members and Group Office staff. An update was also provided on the current position regarding the receipt of external funding via the Household Support Fund, whilst specific reference was also made to the appended Cost of Living Action Plan and the report on the Council’s State of the City event, which had focussed upon the cost of living situation.  In conclusion, the Executive Member extended her thanks to officers for the work which they continued to undertake in this area, to frontline staff for the valuable service that they provided to residents across the city and also to third sector partners for their collaborative approach.

In considering the report, Members highlighted the value of the December 2022 State of the City event. The Board also emphasised the importance of cross-party working in this area and the need to ensure that a localised and inclusive approach continued to be taken.

Responding to comments, it was undertaken that both the Executive Board and the Environment, Housing and Communities Scrutiny Board would continue to be kept informed and involved in this area of work moving forward.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment is responsible for overseeing and implementing any actions arising from the submitted report.