To receive a verbal update on the Turning the Tide on Poverty and Cost of Living work programmes.

The Board received a presentation and noted a verbal update provided by Lincoln Sargeant, Director of Public Health and Becky Morgan, Partnership Development Manager, Community Engagement.

The Board had received a report previously which detailed some really good partnership working carried out over the winter around response to the Cost of Living crisis and protecting people over the winter.  One of the key parts of that was understanding underlying vulnerability and building resilience in families and communities in respect of the latest Cost of Living crisis.

There had been pro-active targeting of households who were not eligible for Cost of Living help but were in work and struggling financially. 

Social supermarkets had benefited from Council funding and there were six sites across Torbay.  Individuals contributed towards the cost of food and had a shopping experience.  There were a lot of people accessing social supermarkets that would not have accessed food banks because of the stigma.  However, the cost of food has increased significantly and a lot of providers were having to purchase 50% of the food and in the long term this was not sustainable.  In addition, the Household Support Funding would run out if it continues at its current rate. 

The Board were informed that there were some really good interventions, but these were short term and some of the issues were national issues outside of the Council’s control.  Therefore, efforts were very much concentrated on trying to break the cycle on the front line.  The degree of mental health issues was a concern and the Council had done its best to try and support partners but there was a lack of support services.  It was recognised that even if economic circumstances improved there would still be a long-term impact on some people in other ways.

Members commented as follows:

·         There was concern about individuals not getting their prescriptions for medical conditions and a high percentage of people not attending GP appointments;

·         There was a lack of pharmacy schools south of Bristol and so this had an impact on pharmacists available in the South West area in general.  There was also difficulty in employing pharmacists in chains;

·         It was easy to obtain a prescription from GP’s as this could be done electronically and so the problem is very much community pharmacy based together with certain medications not being available;

·         There was an incident management approach over the winter and it is important for partners to share intelligence;

·         A key area was around accessing mental health programmes through the NHS and DWP;

·         One of the key drivers behind the level of unemployment is physical and mental health disabilities;

·         It was important to better understand how working affects income for those on benefits.  This may affect the choice that people make in choosing not to work;

·         Some individuals who are working have less monthly income than those in receipt of benefits and are not eligible for free school meals;

·         Helplines had seen an increase in calls from people over the age of 60 who are struggling to pay bills, so this was not just a difficulty faced by deprived young families;

·         In terms of preventative services, it was important to identify further funds available otherwise a lack of funding would mean an increase in A&E admissions and suicide rates for instance;

·         Safe and warm environments should be part of the winter plan;