7 March 2022

Swale Borough Councillor’s Report

The Cost-of-Living Crisis

 

We are all facing a big increase in the basic cost of living. The cost of gas, electricity and petrol have all increased sharply. Food prices have increased too, with the largest increases on the basic everyday foods. These price rises have come on the back of the removal of the £20 uplift to universal credit, and in April there will be a significant increase in national insurance deducted from pay packets. All this is leaving some having to chose between heating and eating. Here we set out how to get help locally if you find yourself in a difficult situation or know a family who are struggling.

Swale Borough Council fund a Fuel and Water Home Advisory Service. Run by Stevie Pettit at Seashells Children’s Centre in Sheerness, the service offers free advice to anybody in Swale. Stevie can help with understanding bills and tariffs, energy and water efficiency measures, advice on mould and condensation, and help dealing with suppliers and energy debt. In some cases, energy or water debts can be reduced or even written off. For free advice and support contact Stevie on 07862158783

Citizens Advice Swale offer free, confidential and impartial advice including debt advice and help applying for universal credit. For help visit citizensadviceswale.uk/get-advice/ or call 0808 278 7979.

To get help from Faversham Foodbank you need a voucher. Citizens’ Advice Faversham can issue food vouchers via their helpline on 0808 278 7979. There is a list of other agencies who can issue foodbank vouchers at faversham.foodbank.org.uk

The food bank relies on voluntary help and support to make sure that no one in our community has to go hungry. If you’d like to offer voluntary help, or donate food or money, you’ll find the information you need at faversham.foodbank.org.uk

If you’re in the fortunate position to be able to consider fitting solar panels to your home to reduce you fuel bills, the rising cost of electricity makes this an ever more financially attractive investment. Once again Swale Borough Council are working with Kent County Council to offer a group buying scheme to get the best value installer. You’ll find further details and can register your interest, with no obligation, at solartogether.co.uk/kent/

Tim Valentine (TimValentine@swale.gov.uk) 07752 191807

Alastair Gould (AlastairGould@swale.gov.uk)

Swale Borough Councillors for Boughton & Courtenay.

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