'Cost-of-Living Emergency' declared in the Mendips
A Somerset district has become the first to call for formal Government action on the cost of living
Last updated 25th May 2022
The Mendips has become the first district in the UK to formally declare a Cost-of-Living Emergency which means they'll write to the Government to call for an energy windfall tax and VAT cuts.
The motion, approved by the council, says they will also stage a summit to see what can be done locally to help those struggling.
The report reads: "There has been a massive increase in the cost of living and its impact on working people, pensioners, and those on benefits.
Mendip's Deputy Leader Barry O’Leary is also a financial advisor, who volunteers to help people with their finances in his spare time
"The Ofgem energy price cap rise by £693 to £1,971 per year, a 54 per cent rise. National Insurance contributions have increased up to 13 per cent in the lowest-paid workers from April 2022,
"Food and petrol prices have contributed highest levels of inflation for nearly 30 years; Wage growth has been stagnant for 15 years and looks set to stay that way, with the average person losing £1,000 in real terms in 2022.
"This council expresses its deepest concerns about the explosion in the cost of living and its impact on working people, pensioners, and those on benefits.
"Council particularly notes Resolution Foundation’s report showing people are facing the worst fall in living standards since the 1970s; and further notes, with regret, that this cost of living crisis will be compounded by the continuing war in Ukraine and that many local families will be pushed deeper below the poverty line.
"Council urges the Government to act immediately to tackle the cost of living crisis by an immediate windfall tax on energy giants, a cut in the standard rate of VAT to 17.5%, a restoration of the Universal Credit supplement of £20 and restoration of the pension triple lock.
"Finally, Council endorses the leader’s initiative of calling a local Cost-of-Living Emergency Summit, with stakeholders, including Citizens Advice, Food Banks, Local Trades Unions, and Chambers of Commerce and will invite both local MPs to attend this hybrid meeting."