By Clive Jones
As the summer turns to autumn, it becomes increasingly clear that many members of our community face a very challenging few months ahead.
Not only are food and clothing prices rising, but – most alarmingly of all – heating costs are set to go up sharply.
Many people who have been able to manage up until now are understandably anxious about whether they will be able to cope over the winter.
During the pandemic lockdowns, government in London recognised that a national response was needed to a nationwide problem.
At present, we have little or no clarity on what help the government proposes to give to those who are struggling.
We must hope that help does materialise once a new prime minister has been selected.
But we need to put in place local support measures as a matter of urgency – we cannot afford to wait for the government to decide what to do.
The borough council, as I explained last week, itself faces unprecedented financial pressures, with demand for services increasing, revenue decreasing, and rampant inflation making our task still harder.
Even so, we have tried to use the very limited resources available to us to help those most in need.
We will be continuing to offer rescheduled council tax and council rent payments to those in hardship.
We will be doing all we can to keep next year’s rent increase for council tenants as low as possible. Until May 2023, we will be covering the cost of free lunches during the school holiday for those children who receive free school meals in term-time.
The council wants also to play a part with our partners in the voluntary sector and charities in delivering support for the vulnerable in the most effective way we can.
Partnership working, which is a key theme for the new administration at Shute End, must now be deepened with existing partners and extended to bring in more – particularly local town and parish councils and local businesses.
If we work together in a coordinated way – and as equals – we can achieve a lot.
I am keen that the borough council does all it can to work in true partnership with the wide range of organisations and individuals who can help our residents in these difficult times.
We need a Covid-like response from all agencies and we need to harness the great spirit of community, so evident in the pandemic, that makes Wokingham borough such a great place to live.
We can all play a part.
National government generally hold the purse strings and as a local council we need their help so that together national government and local government can work together to protect those of our fellow citizens who are experiencing hardship, anxiety, and distress.
Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Liberal Democrat member for Hawkedon ward
