Agenda item

The last report presented by the Leader provided an update on the external pressures facing the Council. Moving into 2024, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the pressures on housing and homelessness services continued to be felt. This monthly update is important to discuss issues arising from external pressures and highlighted opportunities for residents.

Collaboration with partners and communities during these challenging times remained vital in supporting those in need.

Working with the Institute of Health Equity as a Marmot region, Cabinet was aware that the impact of poverty was wide-ranging.

Helping school communities better understand poverty, its impact on learning and how they can be reduced or removed is a key part of the Education Services Poverty Strategy.

In Newport, the lead reason for homelessness continues to be due to loss of rented accommodation and rising rent costs had the potential to further increase the demand on housing and homelessness services.

The increase of the Local Housing Allowance cap to the thirtieth percentile from April 2024 was welcomed but with the wider pressures on the Private Rented Sector in Newport, the impact of these changes remained to be seen.

The Leader took the opportunity to urge residents experiencing difficulties to contact the Council for information with signposting on the advice and support available, in person, by phone or by visiting support and advice pages on the Council’s website.

It was encouraging to see the newly appointed Cost of Living Advisors collaborating with internal officers, including education colleagues, and partner agencies to provide advice, guidance, and support to residents across the city, with events and road shows already planned for 2024.

To support some of the more vulnerable citizens during the winter months, the Council collaborated with partners and established a network of temporary spaces which could be used under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), providing shelter for people sleeping rough.

The Leader of the Council and Chair of OneNewport, continued to advocate for partnership working as being fundamental in supporting residents and businesses and once again, encouraged anybody in need to access the support available to them. The Leader also highlighted the availability of grant funding for warm hubs within community groups and those interested could contact GAVO for further information.

Comments of Cabinet Members:

§  Councillor Harvey agreed with the Leader that it was important to review this report on a monthly basis and Harvey mentioned those residents and families suffering from mental health issues due to the cost-of-living crisis. Councillor Harvey also thanked staff for their support of residents.

§   Councillor Davies thanked officers within the education team for joining forces with the community team to deliver the anti-poverty roadshows in schools. The linked-up approach was welcomed and made a difference and was ongoing. The provision of benefit advice, financial advice along with support regarding uniform as well as other agencies attending with support and advice on well-being made a difference. 

§  Councillor Forsey referred to housing pressures and in the past year as a councillor, had received more requests from residents for housing than over the past three years.  Councillor Forsey also wanted to thank the housing department who kept families in their houses by way of preventative measures for families not to lose their homes.

§  Councillor Clarke thanked the homelessness team and Helen James, the Rough Sleeper Co-ordinator. Staff were out during early hours over the Christmas period delivering breakfasts and talking with homeless people, providing advice and guidance. Councillor Clarke also thanked officer regarding their work on Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) provision. Councillor Clarke thanked all the teams within Newport City Council for their work over Christmas.

§  The Leader thanked all cabinet colleagues for their continued support for their residents.

Decision:

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