Agenda item

The Leader advised that it was nearly a year since the UK formally left the European Union and the single market. Throughout the year the Council continued to see widespread impacts not only from leaving the EU but also due to the global impacts of Covid as economies have seen increased demands and supplies have been disrupted. These impacts were also being experienced here in Newport as we were seeing vacancies across all sectors but most predominantly in construction, manufacturing, accommodation and food service activities.  Supplies in food and goods had been disrupted and were being seen on the shelves of supermarkets.  Major projects also saw increases in the price of materials and labour which were then impacting on the delivery and cost of projects. Finally, the cost of energy (electric and gas) and fuel had now increased which would see households on standard and pre-payment tariffs see an increase in the energy costs.  For low-income households in Newport this would have a significant impact and would put further pressure on those vulnerable households.

As reported in the Covid Cabinet Report the Council launched the Welsh Governments Winter Fuel support to help eligible households to apply for £100 towards their electric and gas heating over the winter period.  

In November, Newport was awarded £2.8m to distribute to seven external organisations to deliver economic and employment opportunities for communities throughout Newport. The Council met with the organisations to help them get set up and progress the delivery of the projects over the next eight months.

For the City’s EU/EAA citizens it was over six months since the deadline passed.  For a significant proportion of residents in the City they would have received either full Settled Status or Pre-settled status. But the Council was are aware that there were residents still awaiting a decision.

Cabinet wanted to reiterate its support for EU/EAA citizens living and working in Newport and that they all had a part to play in making Newport a great city to live and work in.  Therefore the Leader encouraged anyone who was still awaiting a decision or having difficulties to conclude their application to contact the Council and other organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau.

Newport Council was continuing to work with community groups and third sector organisations to ensure EU citizens have access to the services and support they need.

The Council was continuing to lead a city-wide food project network to assess demand and expected demand over the winter period.

The Council was also reviewing resources and capacity to respond to emerging need and are working with GAVO to make arrangements to support further food poverty work in the City.

The Leader added that the socio-economic duty required the council to tackle inequality during decision making as public bodies. Inflation rose to 5.1% and working households were at risk.  The Council had provided free public transport across the city for the month of December to help residents.  In order to strengthen and support communities as part of the socio-economic duty, the Leader announced that as a city council, it would be increasing the funding available for food banks across the city by £100K to address the challenges and prevent the people of Newport having to make a decision on whether to heat or eat during this winter period.

Comments from Cabinet Members:

·        Councillor D Harvey reiterated in as previously that if anyone was facing financial difficulty to get in touch with Newport City Council.

·        Councillor Jeavons added that fuel had raised to £1.43 and the increase in raw fuel, national insurance increase and inflation increase had impacted on this.  This needed to be addressed and people were paying £100s extra, which was too much and could not let people fall into a state of poverty.

·        Councillor Davies echoed the comments of her colleagues and the stark reality that some people faced that could not afford a Christmas meal this year as well as needing financial support.  Nearly a 100 people in a weeks had asked for help.  It was a frightening fact that those people were struggling.  The Cabinet Member was pleased that there was additional financial support for food banks, as we were facing unprecedented times and Newport City Council wanted to look after residents.

·        Councillor Cockeram agreed that it was positive news that money was being given towards food bank. Newport City Council had been affected by Brexit. Labour costs and material cost up by 17% this would make a dent in the budget over the next year or two.

·        Councillor Hughes mentioned that it was sad that people were relying on food banks and welcomed the support from Newport City Council.

The Leader thanked those who supported food banks and the distribution of parcels across Newport.  The Leader had recently joined members of her local church to provide food parcels and was humbled to see people coming together to ensure families most in need could have a positive experience at Christmas although it was deeply saddening that volunteers had to do this.

Decision:

Cabinet considered and noted the contents of the report and for Cabinet / Cabinet Members to receive updates from officers as part of their portfolio.