News on Royal Borough of Greenwich Cost of Living Survey

Survey results helping the Council forge a new path ahead

More than £3million will be invested across 12 pledges to support residents and businesses with the rising the cost of living, as agreed by Cabinet on Wednesday 2 November.

Approved proposals include targeted cash payments for the most vulnerable people in our borough - children on free school meals, care leavers and those excluded from the benefits system.

The plans would not have been possible without the contribution of residents through the survey or the input of those who attended our cost of living summit.

You can watch videos from the Summit at the end of this email.

Actions the Council will be taking to tackle the cost of living crisis and support residents

£100 for every child eligible for free school meals - estimated to help 12,000 children

£250 payment for care leavers to help with winter food and other costs

£150,000 towards supporting food banks and food club initiatives

£150,000 towards Council’s annual Stay Warm, Stay Safe initiative supporting vulnerable residents with energy costs

£150,000 grant scheme for local community groups who support our residents

£300,000 funding for our Emergency Support Scheme, to provide financial support during unexpected hardship

Launching our consultation to save an average of £110 to help low-income working residents through our Council Tax Support scheme by adjusting the eligibility to support more people

Giving up to £50 extra towards school clothing payments for families with children on free school meals, and up to £25 for winter clothing payments

£50,000 fund to support the creation of warm and welcoming places around borough

£300,000 of additional funding for Discretionary Housing Payments, to help renters from the threat of being made homeless through short term payments if they are struggling to pay their rent

Launching a Community Supports initiative where residents can donate goods, money or volunteer their time

Launching a Business Support Grant focused on helping make local businesses become Real Living Wage Accredited employers.

If you shared your concerns with us about not being able to afford food, or struggling with you rent due to rising energy bills and unexpected hardship, we urge you to email our team directly on cost-of-living@royalgreenwich.gov.uk so we can get you the advice you need.