Tackling poverty to be discussed at Cabinet

The proposed draft strategy is a three-year plan, which includes support during the cost-of-living crisis and current rises in fuel and energy costs, and inflation. In addition, the plan will look to find sustainable longer-term solutions to tackle poverty in the City.

A recent survey showed that over 63% of respondents said there was a time when support was needed but not available to them. One of the priorities looks to tackle this issue by improving communication and partnership work and ensuring barriers are removed for our residents. The other priorities include enhancing people’s resilience and long-term change in Government policies.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, cabinet member for economic recovery, regeneration and housing, said: “It is clear by the results of recent surveys that we can always do more to support our residents through these tough times, and the strategy will help us to map out how we do that alongside the key priorities identified.

“This issue and strategy is a priority for this administration and will define local minimum standards of living, prioritise those standards and allow the Council to allocate resources appropriately and to those who need it most. It will also tackle poverty from all angles - food, digital, opportunity and fuel, so we are treating the causes of the problem, not just one of the outcomes.

“The need for help is growing and local resources are limited, although by implementing a strategy, resources can be coordinated, prioritised, and any gaps in service can be identified and fixed.

“We can’t tackle this issue alone, but luckily we have a number of organisations and communities that want to help in Southend and hopefully we can all work together to lift our neighbours out of poverty.”

The report will be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday 21 February 2023.

A copy of the proposed draft Poverty Strategy, that will be discussed in Cabinet on 21 February, can be found on our democracy website.