£50m support measures unveiled to help people in Essex with cost of living
It'll give households some relief from rising energy costs
Essex County Council has unveiled a £50m plan to support people with the cost of living over the coming months and years.
Council bosses have laid out a six point plan of immediate support, with funding being made available to help people afford food and household essentials over the coming months.
Money will go towards thinks like food vouchers for families during the school holidays, as well as financial support for carers and vulnerable pensioners.
There will be investments in cookery classes, as well community supermarkets, financial support services and health and wellbeing organisations.
In the longer term, £17m would be spent on helping to insulate local homes and to install other measures to boost energy efficiency.
The full plan can be read here.
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council’s Deputy Leader said: “We know people across the country are struggling and many are really worried about how they are going to cope with the rise in the cost of living.
“We understand the challenges many are faced with, and tackling this crisis is a key priority for us, so people have access to the food, heating and essential items they need.
“Our Cost of Living Support for Households and Communities plan highlights how we will be funding and mobilising support across the county - how we will help people keep warm, eat and keep well and happy this winter, and beyond.
"We will also be providing valuable advice and guidance to communities to help them, help themselves.
“Even though these short-term solutions will make a difference in the ‘here and now’, we recognise that it is essential that support measures are put in place to help residents become as resilient as possible, so that they are more able to cope with future pressures and I will be making more announcements in the coming weeks.”