Agenda item

This monthly report presented by the Leader provided an opportunity to ensure that Cabinet continued to address the challenges that residents faced on a daily basis.

The main challenges facing Newport continued to be the cost-of-living crisis, pressures on housing and homelessness services, and changes in the asylum and refugee process.

The Council continued to respond to these challenges through collaboration and partnership working to provide support, advice, and guidance to residents.

The Leader was pleased to note that there was another meeting of the Homewards coalition in Newport on the day prior to Cabinet, to drive forward strategies and plans in order to help address the Council’s goals of ending homelessness.

The report provided examples of activities and support offered during this period, including activities and food provision during the school half term. There was a lot of excellent work being undertaken during this period including the distribution of essential food, cleaning and hygiene products, and food shopping vouchers.

Officers from across the Council, including its Prevention and Inclusion Service, were also working closely together and with partners to coordinate support over the next few months. This included planning Easter activities for children and young people, which the Leader was pleased to note.

Cabinet also noted the different projects that the Education department and schools were supporting to ensure all children and young people were able to reach their potential.

The Leader encouraged anybody in need to attend the ‘Think Wise – Live Wise’ drop-in events which provided cost-of-living related information and guidance on topics such as budgeting, managing utility bills and rent advice.

These sessions were hosted over three early evenings a week, in different areas across the city, and members of the public could attend any venue for advice and guidance.

The report provided information on national changes to the Ukraine support schemes and officers were working closely with clients and hosts to support them during this period. 

The Leader noted that as the Leader of the Council and Chair of OneNewport, they continued to advocate for partnership working as being vital in supporting residents and businesses and once again encouraged anybody in need to access the support available.

Comments of Cabinet Members:

§  Councillor Davies welcomed the detailed report on the Education team which showed that Newport schools, with the EAS team, had the roots to support families out of unemployment and out of poverty. Projects in schools included the Foundation of Community Engagement with 36 school settings within Newport working with the organisation and focussing on engagement with families to improve health, attainment, achievement and access to employment. Many of the schools in Newport were already going straight to gold rather than bronze, silver and amber, as they were already going above and beyond. The One Million Mentor Scheme was aimed at raising aspirations for learners to access further and higher educational training. Interim impact reports outlined that 63% of mentees came from disadvantaged backgrounds. A recent Welcome to Newport Education event was hosted by the Gwent Education Multi-Lingual Learners Service for school-aged children in temporary accommodation. It provided advice, guidance and support delivered by Housing officers and schools. In addition, free music and instrument lessons and activities were led by Gwent Music for all children receiving free school meals (FSM) children; 46 pupils in Newport had benefitted from this offer so far in this academic year. These were all positive things benefitting children within Newport.

§  Councillor Marshall highlighted the excellent work undertaken within the community and noted a fantastic event that recently took place for artists at The Corn Exchange. There was also a neurodiversity job fair, and wellbeing groups for those between the ages of 7-24 years, which was funded by Newport City Council. In advance of International Women’s Day Councillor Marshall took the opportunity to thank women within the Council and the community for their inspirational leadership and for the amazing work that they did.

§  The Leader echoed the comments of Councillor Marshall on International Women’s Day and was delighted to attend a photography exhibition, taken by one of the representatives of the women of Newport, Camilla this year’s exhibition was all about community champions. The Leader was humbled by the amazing women who worked every day to support their community.

§  Councillor Harvey mentioned that in the report it stated that over 900 children attended half term activities. In Newport, 43% of people struggled with their energy, fuel, and food bills and 39% were working in poverty. Over 3,000 people attended over 157 warm space events. Councillor Harvey reiterated that there was no shame in reaching out and it was working families that were receiving food parcels.

§  The Leader reflected on the value of public services and the importance of it to the fabric of society.

§  Councillor Lacey echoed comments of colleagues and was grateful for Council officers and the amazing work they did for residents, as well as the schools, volunteers across the city, Cabinet Members, and ward members.

§  The Leader said that it was important to emphasise the value of the people and volunteers across the community supporting residents on the front-line, particularly Council officers.

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.