The support, detailed on the council website, aims to build on our work in easing the impact the crisis is having on the borough’s most vulnerable residents and supporting them to become more financially resilient over the next 12-months.
The cost of living crisis is impacting people across the country, including in Lambeth, and higher prices continue to put huge pressure on the most stretched household budgets. The support available, based on voluntary and community sector organisation feedback and latest research, includes:
- Direct payments to households most affected by rising costs
- Expanding our application-based Emergency Support Scheme, which provides cash payments to people in crisis
- Permanently expanding free school meal eligibility including support during the school holidays
- Extra free childcare for low-income families with young children
- Free period products in council-run buildings, with free home delivery for low-income residents
- Additional funding for independent advice agencies
- Support for council tenants impacted by increases in communal heating and hot water charges.
Councillor David Amos, Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living Said: “We know that our communities face enormous challenges in the year ahead as we deal with the growing cost of living crisis, which has been difficult for people in every corner of Lambeth. We are determined to do all we can to support those in greatest need, which is why we are putting forward a Lambeth Cost of Living Crisis Response Plan
“Lambeth Council has been shoulder to shoulder supporting our residents through the cost of living crisis, working hard to help the people in our borough who have been impacted the most. This £10m package of support for residents will make a real difference to the households that are struggling the most. We are here for you.”
The council has also reduced the council tax bills of over 18,000 households (12% of all households) to nil as part of its expanded Council Tax Support scheme, whilst maintaining Lambeth’s Council Tax rate as one of the lowest in London and England.
Learn more about the support available to residents on www.lambeth.gov.uk/costofliving
Read our strategy document for more information 4901-Lambeth-COL-Strategy-V3
Notes:
The £10m package comprises Lambeth’s allocation of HM Government’s £5.4m Household Support Fund and £624,000 Council Tax Support Fund and additional council funding
