Andrew Gray
The cost of living crisis is still a real issue across the borough and with the prospect of even higher bills this winter, it only looks to get worse.
The Conservatives’ inaction on this issue in government is increasingly shifting the burden of support to local councils and the charity sector. Foodbank usage in the borough almost doubled last year as more and more families are hit with rising costs.
The work of foodbanks and local charities is brilliant, but it shouldn’t be the responsibility of charities to pick up the pieces of a negligent government.
That’s why, Wokingham Labour leader Cllr Rachel Burgess submitted an important motion to the council to review the WBC’s Local Welfare Provision scheme.
The scheme is designed to provide immediate support to those in need, but has not been used to its full potential in recent years under the Conservatives.
A combination of inadequate signposting and unnecessary bureaucracy has meant that the scheme has only helped a fraction of the families it has the capacity to help. It is vital that the review of this scheme is implemented soon so that families can be supported over the winter months when it may be needed most.
One of the most important aspects of the motion for me, is the review of the way support can be given. Individuals and families may need emergency financial support for a variety of reasons, but the current guidelines suggest that the scheme prefers to pay in ‘goods or services’.
I have always believed that supporting people in financial hardship should be about empowering them with choice rather than imposing decisions on them. It is too often the case that for people in hardship their priorities are dictated to them so support can be narrow and restrictive.
Simplified support in the form of cash as an option can restore the dignity of choice which is often absent in our current welfare system.
The motion on this scheme, which was unanimously supported by all parties, specifically mentions this. It asks that the review ‘considers prioritising the delivery of cash-first support’ which will be a much welcome amendment to the scheme in my view.
The motion also proposes to break down the barriers to application for claimants. Support payments too often require exacting and strict requirements to be eligible. Simplifying these systems and broadening the scope of the criteria to receive the grants will make it accessible to so many more struggling people in the borough.
The work of local Labour councillors on areas such as these highlights why it is so important to elect more people at a local and national level who care about protecting the most vulnerable in our society.
With the ongoing unedifying spectacle of the Conservative leadership battle, it is clear that the Tories don’t have the answer to the cost of living crisis and aren’t prepared to find one. And why would they? Because it doesn’t affect them.
Labour’s plan to invest in insulation, renewable energy and tougher regulation on energy companies is going to be the only way to get a hold of this crisis. While the Conservatives are busy fighting among themselves, it is down to Labour councillors to show leadership on the issues that are hitting people hardest.
Andrew Gray is a Wokingham Labour party member
