Inquiry into Cost-of-Living Crisis in the Scarborough Borough

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 09:41

By Matthew Pells

A cross-political group of councillors is to investigate how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting households across the borough.

Members of the council’s Places and Futures and Lives and Homes overview and scrutiny committees are leading the work.

The inquiry will consider whether there is awareness of all the financial advice, support and entitlements on offer to residents across the borough.

It will also try to establish whether the voluntary and community organisations that assist people in need have the support they require.

Eighty-five per cent of North Yorkshire’s deprived households are in the town of Scarborough and many suffer from fuel poverty.

Across the borough, an ageing population and poorer health outcomes in some communities means the cost-of-living crisis is felt more acutely.

Councillor David Jeffels, who is chairing the inquiry working group said:

“We know the cost-of-living crisis is affecting many households across our borough.

“We have established this inquiry to understand the impact it is having and to ensure our struggling households have access to the information and support they need.

“We are keen to hear from as many people as possible, especially from the charity and voluntary sector which is really on the front line at this difficult time.”

The group of councillors are keen to hear about the real impact of rising household bills, how people are coping and what information sources they are using.

It is also hoped voluntary and community organisations will set out how their services are being used, the pressures they are under and what additional support they require.

Evidence to the inquiry can be submitted via the council’s democratic services team using the email address democraticservices@scarborough.gov.uk.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 14 October.

The councillors will then consider the submitted evidence which will help inform a subsequent question and answer session with key witnesses from different organisations.

The inquiry findings will be discussed by the full overview and scrutiny committees later this year.