Cost of living advice sessions welcomed

The events, at District Council House on 27 July and Burntwood Leisure Centre last Thursday, 3 August, brought officers from Lichfield District Council and other service providers together for two-hour sessions in venues that were easily accessible.

Officers supported residents with advice around housing benefit, council tax support, council tax exemptions, discounts and payment plans, debt and options to prevent homelessness.

There was also guidance on how to recycle more and emergency food bank vouchers were on hand for residents in acute need.

Staff from Job Centre Plus were present to advise about routes into employment, Citizens Advice South East Staffordshire provided wider debt advice and Support Staffordshire was there to assist anyone wishing to perform voluntary work.

Attendees were asked for their views on the event and what information and support they would like to see included at future sessions. Survey responses said the sessions provided the support required and there was nothing that officers were not able to help with.

Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Councillor Richard Cox said:

“It is essential that we work with our partners to help residents with their cost-of-living queries and concerns.

“Residents have reported back that the pilot events were worthwhile, and that it helped to be able to see a variety of service providers in one place.

“Following these two pilots a series of regular drop-in events are now being planned.”

For more information about the cost of living support available to district residents, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/costofliving