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Flintshire highlights its ongoing commitment to supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis

Published: 06/07/2023

Members of the Communities and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee will consider a report on the impacts that welfare reforms and cost-of-living crisis continue to have on people living in Flintshire when it meets on 12 July 2023.

The Council recognises the difficulties faced by households as restrictions on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit impact their finances with increasing demand for help.  Welfare reforms such as the Spare Room Subsidy and Benefit Cap have hit households hard, particularly in the current cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking about the range of support made available to help those affected, Councillor Sean Bibby, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said:

“Welfare reforms and the cost-of-living crisis is impacting vulnerable households throughout Flintshire.  

I am pleased that Flintshire has played its part in reaching out to communities, targeting support to households most in need to help them access benefits to increase potential household income.

The range of support has included:  

• Cost of Living Support Scheme

• Unpaid Carers Support

• Winter Fuel Support Scheme

• Energy Bills Support Scheme

• Alternative Fuel Payment

• Universal Primary Free School Meals and Eligibility Free School Meals 

• School Essentials Grant

• Discretionary Housing Payments

With Flintshire paying out nearly £12.3m in various grants to support the increased cost of living and rising energy prices, we remain firmly committed to helping all residents.  

I encourage anyone who needs our help to get in touch to find out how they may be able to increase their household income.”

Residents who need help to apply for benefits can apply online, by telephone or in person at their local Flintshire Connects Centre.

In a separate report to the Communities and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Members will also receive an update on the collection of Council housing rent for 2022/23 and how the rise in living costs impacts on some contract holders (tenants) ability to pay. 

Despite the biggest increase in inflation for a generation as prices rise at a much faster rate than household income, nearly 80% of Council tenants remain up to date with their rent and this helps to pay for housing services to maintain homes, carry out repairs and undertake property improvements as part of the Council’s priority to modernise council homes.