Hard-pressed Kirklees residents are to receive more than £500,000 to help with the increased cost of living.
The council’s Cabinet has agreed that approximately £535,800 will be distributed to community groups and organisations that provide support to their local area.
Funding will be awarded to groups that are able to provide a warm space for residents this winter, food parcels and fuel vouchers, and those who can provide information, advice, and guidance on topics such as mental health support, debt advice, and assistance into employment. This is with the aim of reaching those most adversely affected by the economic crisis.
The money will be distributed to Kirklees as three bundles of £178,600 paid each six months over the next 18 months.
The sum comes from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) which created the £3M West Yorkshire Mayor’s Emergency Fund to serve the region and ease cost of living struggles.
An additional £357,200 from the Council’s share of the Government’s Household Support Fund has also been approved to supplement the Mayor’s Emergency Fund. This will also go to the voluntary and community sector. Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services (Labour, Holme Valley South) said, “this once more demonstrates the commitment of this administration to do everything we can to support this sector and help them in helping out our residents.”
However, Councillor John Lawson (Lib Dems, Cleckheaton) raised concern that the Government’s Autumn Statement may impact the funding, particularly the plans to distribute the mayoral fund in three parts. The councillor wanted assurance that there was the capacity to adjust the funds should the financial situation worsen.
Image: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
In response, Cllr Paul Davies said, “The money we are transferring at this point is a firm commitment, we know that’s there. I can’t at this point give a commitment on anything further than that but obviously, we will still be doing everything we can to review and revisit any difficulties that our citizens are experiencing through underfunding, cost of living increases, etc. but as it stands at this moment, that’s the commitment we’re able to give at this point.”
Leader of the Council Shabir Pandor thanked Cllr Davies and Mayor Tracy Brabin for their respective work on the funding.
Image: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
However, Cllr Pandor went on to say, “This isn’t going to be enough is it? We all know that. The cost of living crisis is going to be shouldered by millions due to the fact that the economy has been crashed by the current government and I just hope that the settlement and the financial settlement in December safeguards local government.”
The Cllr went on to give the example that several councils including Kent and Hampshire County Councils are on the brink of bankruptcy due to current financial pressures.
Reflecting on the upcoming budget, the Cllr said, “I’m hoping that tomorrow’s settlement actually recognises that public services are the front-line defense for communities and local democracy is really, really important. We are the ones that actually develop the businesses, housing, infrastructure and to take anymore out will cripple local government and cripple local communities.”
