In January 2023 Braintree District Council committed £1m over two years to address the issues associated with the cost-of-living. The programme’s three objectives are:
Ensure food security and access to essentials for all, including rural areas.
Support community groups in assisting vulnerable residents.
Promote health and wellbeing, focusing on youth and access to leisure activities.
The Council collaborates with partners and has consultations through forums like the Cost of Living Partnership to identify issues and coordinate responses. The Cost of Living Projects Officer also actively engages with communities and interprets data to understand local needs and gaps in available support.
This report has been created to evidence the impact of the Cost of Living Fund April 2024 - April 2025. The Council has worked closely with our Cost of Living Partnership, which includes around 60 members from the community and voluntary sector and other Council service departments. These partners provide frontline services and insights into how the rising cost of living is affecting our residents which helps to guide our efforts to support those most in need.
