A key part of the cost of living group’s work is to ensure a coordinated, accessible approach to cost of living information and advice. This includes Blackpool Council’s online cost of living information plus information through paper and other media, and advice in community settings.
Another priority is to maximise the potential of voluntary and community sector organisations. The third sector has close links with local communities, is flexible and can make the best use of resources. The government’s Household Support Fund was augmented with funding from the NHS and the council to extend the pot available for Blackpool’s cost of living – third sector and community grants programme.
A grants application group meets weekly to consider and authorise applications for grants, which are administered through the council’s corporate delivery unit. Grants have ranged from £800 to £70,000 and cover a range of topics, some of which are detailed below:
- Food banks were operating in the most deprived areas and have been extended more widely.
- Access to free hot meals has been widened.
- Warm spaces and clubs have been established providing a range of support services such as work to tackle social isolation and increase physical activity.
- Provision of emergency fuel vouchers.
- Providing 1:1 support related to energy and income maximisation.
The group is also looking at emerging initiatives that may increase support such as issuing warm packs (eg hot water bottles, blankets, draft excluders) and providing laundry facilities.
Just like in the pandemic, there have been lots of offers of support and help: ‘Blackpool people want to get on and do.’ A follow-up event took place on 7 December to consider how things are going and what more needed to be done in the new year. The event was well attended and outlined the vast range of activities going on across Blackpool. For example, one organisation had organised a coat rack scheme, with 300 donated coats given out over 10 days. A laundry facility was being used by many families and was seen as something that could be replicated by other organisations.
The event was seen as a very useful session to share good practice and to find out what is going on across the town. Unused community facilities were identified which could be occupied for additional activities. The voluntary, community and faith sector were keen that this sort of event took place regularly.