Dover District Council (DDC) has unveiled new plans to help residents with the soaring cost of living.
Marking 100 days since a new Labour-run administration took control of the Council on 4 May 2023, the new Cost of Living Plan includes the launch of an £85,000 Cost of Living Community Impact Fund and a webpage providing information and resources to help residents cope with the rising costs of everyday living.
Cllr Kevin Mills, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “Our number one priority since taking control of the Council has been to put in place plans to help the most vulnerable through the cost-of-living crisis.
“Working in partnership with the voluntary sector our plan seeks to take co-ordinated action to deliver support where it’s needed most by connecting people with local projects, services and organisations which can offer practical help.”
Officers from DDC’s community team and benefit advisers will be working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), and other local voluntary sector organisations to deliver support to communities most in need. The group includes:
- Dover & Deal Food Banks
- Sandwich Age Concern
- Deal Age UK
- Dover Riverside Centre
- Dover Outreach Centre
- Dover District Disability Forum
- Homestart
- Bechange Aylesham
Alongside a new webpage which will give practical advice and information on how to save money and budget during the cost of living crisis, DDC’s Community Roots van will also visit communities across the district to help spread the message to those not online.
Applications for funding from the new Cost of Living Community Impact Fund open in October 2023. The Fund is designed to support projects that help bridge the cost-of-living gap and is open to applicants, including registered charities, constituted community groups, and not-for-profit community interest companies.
Cllr Kevin Mills concluded: “We know this winter is going to be tough for many as the heating goes back on and food prices continue to soar.
“The district’s response to the Covid pandemic in 2020/21 showed how we can work together in times of adversity to support our most vulnerable residents. Our aim is to do that again, to put in place the support people need to see them through this winter.”
Notes to editors:
- Plans for the Cost of Living Community Impact Fund are subject to Cabinet approval at its next meeting on 4 September 2023.
- In accordance with Dover District Council’s Constitution, executive decisions made by Cabinet are subject to call-in by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. The period for call-in expires four working days after the record of decision is published. Therefore, the information contained in this press statement may be subject to further review and changes and may not reflect the final decision.
Posted on 10 August 2023