Leader's blog - 26 October 2022
Published: Wednesday, 26 October, 2022
"The Cost of Living Emergency was the main topic for debate at the council meeting last week. We heard that Stroud District Foodbank usage has gone up by 90% since last year and there has been a sharp rise in requests to the Citizens Advice.
Recognising that cost of living pressures are now affecting many more people in our district, council unanimously supported an additional £100,000 for the community and council response. This will include financial help for community hubs, supporting warm spaces, and increasing the council’s capacity to make phone referrals to support agencies.
The most important thing is that everyone is aware of the help available to them, if they need extra support this winter. Some additional funding has already been committed through the Household Support Fund for families with children, people on Pensions Credit and other adults in need. There’s more information here.
This year, the Stroud Women’s Refuge is the council’s charity of the year. They’re an important community organisation, working to provide safety and independence for women and children whose lives have been impacted by domestic abuse. At a Stroud District Council staff charity fundraising event last week, I discovered that the Refuge opened 45 years ago in premises provided by the council. Stroud Women’s Refuge is certainly a worthy charity to support – and if you’d like to help, you can donate or purchase Christmas cards, or their beautiful recipe book online.
Finally, we were delighted last week to celebrate the achievements of three young people who each served for more than five years on Stroud District Youth Council. Thank you Lily Haines, Charlotte Bignall and Tom Wickham-Bassett for your huge contributions and congratulations on this achievement!"
Leader, Stroud District Council