Cost of Living Challenge Group 2022/23

Closure Report March 2023

This report provides readers with a status update and overview of the actions delivered, key themes and any emerging issues facing residents and businesses. This is focused from the work delivered by the county wide sub-groups, data and emerging themes from frontline services, the work completed, as well as what work others in the county have done to address the ongoing Cost of Living Challenge. This is a closure report for the activity led by the Lincolnshire Cost of Living Challenge stakeholder group.

The sub-groups had the responsibility of coordinating actions, acting as facilitators and enablers, working in partnership to encourage
networking between existing organisations, establishing funding streams, improving consistency in communications and sharing best
practice. Consideration is given to the existing funding gaps and the revised Government settlement outcome received by local authorities in December 2022.

There have been a wide range of financial support packages offered by Central Government, many of which are and continue to be largely administrated locally, which the sub-groups have supported the delivery, including Household Support Fund 1-3 (HSF) and Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme (CTER). Some are being extended or replaced in 2023 and the ongoing impact of support to deliver these needs to be considered against the background of expected reductions to public spending as a result of the Local Government Settlement, as additional financial support for the Cost of Living, without understanding the scale of public full impact of spending cuts.
The report also highlights how the National, County and District initiatives supported and worked collaboratively with voluntary and
community groups and to provide community led support which matched needs identified locally and the need to be adaptable to
respond to the changing situation.

The breadth of organisations represented on the Challenge group, along with their connections have been a strength in effectively
coordinating activity, reducing duplication and delivering signpost effectively by having a diverse group of people and organisations
involved in the group. This closure report also advises the end position and recommendations for the future direction with strategic leadership from the three Chief Executive Co-Chairs.

To read the report in full please follow the link below.

Cost-of-Living-Challenge-Group-Closure-Report