Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Finance

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/007

Contact:Robin Rogers, Programme Director (Partnerships and Delivery),robin.rogers@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Finance (CA13).

To agree further support measures for residents in the Cost of Living Crises.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)                  Note the cost of living support measures delivered during 2022/23, as summarised in Table 1;

b)                  Agree to vary the match funding requirements for Council Tax support agreed in September 2022, as set out in paragraph 30; 

c)                  Agree to the support package for 2023/24, as summarised in Table 3, noting the flexibility outlined in paragraph 31.

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet had before it a report providing an update on delivery of cost of living support in 2022/23 and making recommendations for the disbursement of cost of living resources in 2023/24.

Councillor Mark Lygo, Cabinet Member for Public Health & Equality, summarised the report.  There was a real danger that rises in the cost of living will increase the inequalities on our community that we have resolved to tackle – especially when the national energy support grants end.  The proposals were targeted at those most vulnerable and those who fall through the gaps between the national schemes.

Councillor Calum Miller, Cabinet Member for Finance, added that there were proposals to ensure that the increases in Council Tax would not fall on those in the lowest income households.  Also, support for discretionary housing payments was being doubled.

Other Cabinet Members commented:

·       Thanks to the District and City Councils for the joint working on the proposals, building on the cooperation that worked so well during the Covid pandemic.

·       The opposition had criticised the maximum rise in Council Tax but this had been necessary in these very difficult times.  However, the Council was being progressive in protecting the most vulnerable.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Lygo, seconded by Councillor Sudbury and agreed.

RESOLVED to:

a)              Note the cost of living support measures delivered during 2022/23, as summarised in Table 1;

b)              Agree to vary the match funding requirements for Council Tax support agreed in September 2022, as set out in paragraph 30; 

c)              Agree to the support package for 2023/24, as summarised in Table 3, noting the flexibility outlined in paragraph 31.