Cost of Living Community Event

The key actions from the Cost of Living Community Event which took place on Thursday 9 February 2023.

Key discussion points

• Household Support Fund still ongoing with an underspend so please do promote to your service users, current round of funding closes 31/03/2023.  Please encourage pensioners and people with disabilities to apply.  
• Marc to send information in different languages if this is needed please email m.dunne@preston.gov.uk
• Issue around rates for community groups as the cost increases.
• Lancashire Adult Learning can provide free training, including healthy eating, managing on a budget, cost of living and volunteering courses etc.
• Preston community hub are providing a warm space in the evening 5pm - 7pm.
• A need for DBS checks. Councillor khan to look into what support can be provided to groups regarding this.
• St Matthews providing a warm space however little uptake. Is there an opportunity to connect with other groups.
• Councillor Khan to look into library figures of those who are accessing this for a warm space.
• Lancashire Veterans group happy to support any organisations whos service users may benefit from their support.
• Issue around pre-payment metres. CAB can support and give vouchers. This can be accessed online.
• Potentially link with paypoint to see how the Household Support Fund can support individuals on prepayment.
• Concern for the eastern European community who are using no illegal but immoral services that charge to 'manage' their job centre accounts.
• There is a gap in Warm space provision from 3.30pm-6pm where children are especially affected.