Agenda item

The Cabinet received a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which  provided an update on:

a)   the most recent welfare, economic and poverty indicators for the county; and

b)   the progress of the Council and partners’ efforts to address and alleviate poverty including a summary of the actions to respond to the negative financial impacts experienced by residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the poverty action strategy and plan (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Surtees referred to the many residents in the county who continue to struggle under the government’s welfare reform programme, with the pandemic compounding the financial hardships.  In addition, many families are suffering the effects of poverty that have not previously faced such issues.  Councillor Surtees pointed out that despite funding constraints, the Council remains committed to providing help to those who are struggling financially and to alleviate the longer term issues leading to poverty.

Councillor Gunn, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services, welcomed the report and echoed the concerns of Councillor Surtees for those in the community who are in financial difficulty.  She expressed pride at the partnership working taking place and thanked the voluntary and community sectors who have worked with the Council to maximise support to the most vulnerable.  Highlighting the government’s recent announcement to support those receiving free school meals during school holidays, Councillor Gunn pointed out that Durham County Council has been supporting families through school holiday periods for years, with assistance from the voluntary sector, and the Council had also provided assistance to parents who required help with back-to-school costs. 

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing and Assets, Councillor Shaw, spoke of the many valuable initiatives to support housing, fuel poverty and homelessness to respond to the significant increases in poverty resulting from years of austerity.

Councillor Hovvels, Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services, expressed concern that the pandemic will lead to a greater inequalities gap adding the Council must strive to continue this good work to address poverty issues, with a particular focus on the impact on children and young people.

The Chair thanked officers for their hard work.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.