Decision details

The Cabinet gave consideration a report of the Assistant Chief Executive which sought to outline proposals to be introduced by the Council in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

It was reported that in Oldham, some of parts of the Borough have the highest rates of deprivation in the country and that many residents would face hardships over the coming months with more people than ever facing some form of financial crisis.

As a result, Oldham Council was predicting a significant increase in demand for financial assistance, advice and support in the coming months with a need to increase investment in those services.

In response to the Council the Council were proposing a £3 million investment in services, support and funding to help reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on all Oldham households but also to widen the safety net for those residents most vulnerable to financial crisis.

On the 27th of July 2022, Oldham Council held the Cost of Living Summit, bringing together residents, partners and voluntary organisations to discuss and plan for how to collectively respond to the crisis. The summit’s objective was to focus on the practical actions we could take locally to best support residents over the winter months.

The proposals outlined in the report reflected Oldham Council’s response to the Cost of Living Summit, providing a comprehensive package of support for our residents this winter.

Members welcomed the report and endorsed the support and interventions outlined.

Options/alternatives considered

Option 1 – To approve the interventions outlined in the report.

Option 2 – Not to approve the interventions outlined in the report.

RESOLVED – That the interventions outlined in the report, committing to providing a £3 million package of support to Oldham’s residents during the cost-of-living crisis be approved.