Agenda item

The Leader presented the latest update on the main external pressures facing the council, businesses, residents, and communities to Cabinet.

The cost-of-living crisis continues, with a report from the Office of National Statistics released last week stating 95% of 450 food items in the consumer prices inflation basket increased in price in the past year, some by close to 50%. 

In addition, the base rate remained higher than last year’s average.

In the context of areas noted in the report, collaborative working with partners across the city remained a priority. The multi-agency cost-of-living event in the Riverfront on the 26 April attracted approximately 180 of residents who were able to access advice and guidance on managing finances, income maximisation and support with household expenses.

The Leader urged residents experiencing difficulties to contact the council for information and signposting on the advice and support available; in person, by phone or by visiting the support and advice pages on the Council website. 

As Members would see in the report, a recent survey of the Involve Citizen’s Panel found approximately three quarters of the people who responded (164) said they were very or a little worried or anxious about the cost-of-living crisis.

Newport schools continued to support the most vulnerable children and young people and were planning ways of supporting families during the May half-term holiday and bank holidays. Schools would also be facilitating the dissemination of seven days’ worth of food vouchers to those families entitled to free school meals.

The Leader added that it was a privilege to visit St Julian’s Primary School where they had the Big Bocs Boyd in place which helped support those families in need at the school and the community. This initiative was educating young people, not only on food waste but also social responsibility and developing numeracy skills.  The Leader reflected that this was a fantastic initiative and was delighted to see that other primary schools in Newport would also be implementing this initiative. The Leader had recently visited Maindee Primary School and they were almost ready to open their shop.  At every level, Newport City Council was supporting and doing everything they could to help people.  If there was anyone facing any challenges, the Leader urged them to come forward as the help would be in place for them.

Comments of Cabinet Members:

§  Councillor Harvey mentioned the stark reality that 77% of residents were concerned about the cost of living and reiterated that residents must reach out for help from the Council. The Cabinet Member thanked the Leader for acknowledging the work taking place in her portfolio, and also wanted to acknowledge the support from staff who went above and beyond, looking after everyone in Newport.  Residents could telephone 01633 656656 or contact their ward councillor to reach out for help and support to make life a little less stressful.

§  Councillor Davies thanked the Leader for mentioning St Julian’s School, the Cabinet Member was a governor there since 2002 and Chair since 2007 and was immensely proud, as well as being involved in the Big Bocs Boyd. The community support was being seen across the city with many schools supporting families, and taking on the mantle of community hub, with food provision, clothing and advice.  The Cabinet Member was pleased to add that Welsh Government are providing food vouchers over the May bank holiday.  Free School Meals are available for foundation phase which will ramp up and move to KS2 in September, however parents needed to apply to receive allocation of the vouchers.  Hopefully, WG will listen to the needs of residents and continue to make this provision available for the summer holiday.  The Cabinet Member is lobbying the Education Minister (MS) for extra provision.

§  Councillor Forsey commented on the Ukraine refugees and mentioned that payments to host families had gone up to £500 per month, which was a considerable help and if anyone felt they were in the position to support families, they could contact the Council for more information.

Decision

Cabinet considered the contents of the report on the Council’s activity to respond to the external factors on Newport’s communities, businesses, and council services.