Mayor gives cash boost for cost of living crisis

The Mayor’s Emergency Cost of Living Fund was extended today (16^th Oct) after approval was given at a meeting of the Combined Authority. 

Some £750,000 of new funding was approved by members to continue to help those most in need across West Yorkshire.

This is the third round of funding since October 2022 when the scheme first launched. It has seen £3 million given to the five local authorities in the region who work with local charities and voluntary organisations to support the hardest hit through the cost of living crisis. The fund has supported 61,000 individuals and households with advice and support, as well as access to warm spaces and food parcels. 

One organisation that received a previous round of the Mayor’s Emergency Fund is The Resident First Group in Wakefield, a multi-agency group with a focus on poverty and the cost of living crisis. Set up as the Resident’s Recovery Group during the pandemic, they deliver via Help at the Hubs which were created for people to get in- person support who needed it, and this legacy has continued beyond COVID-19.

The venues are run by Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise groups and located within the most deprived areas of the district, while the group is chaired by the Chief Executive of Citizens’ Advice Wakefield District (CAWD). CAWD also provides an Advisory Service, which is located in each of the Hubs across the District- a service which was able to be added with the support of the Cost of Living Fund.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said,

“It was clear in 2022, when we introduced our emergency cost of living fund, that more people than ever needed help as the price of essentials such as fuel, energy and food rose rapidly.

"I am proud that we were able to support tens of thousands of the most vulnerable people in our region through that difficult time, and that is why we have continued this vital support for another year.  

“Through the power of devolution, this illustrates how we can make a real difference to people’s lives, as we create a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Having these services in one place means that those in the most vulnerable and disadvantaged parts of our communities are able to get help on a range of things at once.

Just one example of help the hub has been able to provide was to Lynn* who needed help accessing a voucher she’d received from Wakefield Council.

By speaking to her, staff were able to find out that Lynn also had financial difficulties due to helping a neighbour who was often short of money.

Staff were able to signpost her to Citizens’ Advice, based at the hub, to address money management issues both she and her neighbour were experiencing, as well as recommending the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) drop in, also at the centre on the same day, to check if she was receiving all benefits she was entitled to.

By providing a tailored, in person approach, Help at the Hubs and CAWD are able to get to the root of issues and provide help which will create meaningful change to people’s lives.

Simon Topham, Chief Executive of Citizens’ Advice Wakefield District said,

“On behalf of the Wakefield Residents First Group I would like to express my thanks to the Mayor for supporting this vital local service.

“Without the ‘Help at the Hub’ project in place with financial support from both the Mayor and Wakefield Council, there would be huge areas of our district that would be ‘advice deserts’ and vital community assets such as local Community Centres would be in danger.

“This service offers a joined up approach accessed by thousands of local residents each year. It has unlocked millions of pounds of income for these residents and strengthened the local economy as well as those residents most in need of holistic support.

“It is, in every way, a ‘win, win’ approach and the Mayor’s recognition of the value of this service is deeply appreciated.”

The latest extension will also look to provide more support to people to learn new skills and get back into employment.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• Lynn’s name has been changed for confidentiality
• Support previously provided by the fund includes:
• Welfare and debt advice and support.
• Food banks, community pantry and emergency food parcels.
• Welcome and warm spaces
• Cost of living, food and energy vouchers
• Referrals and direct access to a wider range of other support and services including employment support, health support, housing, and food bank.
• Digital /Wi-Fi access.