Agenda item

To receive a presentation from Citizens Advice Surrey Heath and undertake an open forum discussion.

The Committee received a presentation from Kate Sawdy on behalf of Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (CASH) on the rise in the cost of living. The presentation outlined the impact of the cost of living on residents. She reported that 74 percent of residents approached by CASH stated they had made changes in their spending behaviours because of the increasing costs. 56 percent of people on an energy meter had run out of energy before being able to afford more. It was noted that since September 2021 low income households had seen their monthly costs increase by £141. It was further noted that there had been a 44 percent increase in demand for food bank referrals in comparison to the previous year and a 94 percent increase in utility issues. Government support was also outlined and updates given on Cost of Living Payments, Household Support Fund, Energy Price Guarantee and Energy Bills Support Scheme. Members were advised that an uplift of 10.1 percent in Universal Credit had been announced for April 2023.

It was noted that CASH provided their own debt advice service and had dedicated officers for customers. CASH predicted an increase in foodbank referrals in January 2023 and clarified that if the household is within Besoms area they had referred to the Besom otherwise referrals were sent to Woking Foodbank.

Members were asked to share information in regard to warm hubs and other services on behalf of CASH. It was noted that there were surges in correspondence from residents following interaction with Members.

CASH advised there had been a rise in residents who struggled with Council Tax arrears. CASH clarified support had been provided through the Household Support Fund and that the Council’s Hardship Fund would be signposted when the Household Support Fund had been exhausted.

The Committee received a verbal update from Rev. Chris Richardson on behalf of St Martins Church Camberley. He reported that numbers for the Free Food stall and free café had doubled in recent months with over 60 households being supported each week. It was recognised that St Martins Church had worked with Surrey County Council to provide energy advice and live energy talks.

Following discussions it was noted that St Martins Church received support through a partnership with the Co-operative shop, schools and a variety of grants. Public support had been tremendous, the public had given non-perishable foods, baked cakes and cooked food for the free café. Local churches were working together to support the Besom and were open to collaboration with other churches to extend the support provided, and anticipated the opening soon of the community larder.

Members received a verbal update from Karen Kendall on behalf of the Besom in Camberley. It was noted that Old Dean was the highest demanding ward for food parcels and a third of referrals received for the foodbank were sent by CASH. The number of households which had received support had risen drastically in September and October, however the numbers in November had been the same level as previous years. The majority were new cases. She reported that community support had been phenomenal, including volunteer support from Asylum Seekers located in Frimley Green who had joined the team to pack food parcels.

The Committee received a verbal update from Greg Scott on behalf of Camberley Besom and The Rotary Club for Christmas Hampers. It was noted there was strong coordination between the Besom and Rotary Club. Collectively Camberley and the local libraries were acting as collection points for donations. Residents must apply through an agency to ensure they receive a hamper. Local charities were welcome to collaborate to ensure households do not receive multiple hampers however this would require express permission from residents to share their details.

RESOLVED to note the presentations.

Note 1 - In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct

(i)     Councillor Shaun Garrett declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was a Trustee of Old Dean Community Group;

(ii)    Councillor Liz Noble declared a non-pecuniary interest as she was a Trustee of Bisley and West End Foodbank; and

(iii)   Councillor Pat Tedder declared a non-pecuniary interest as she was a Chairman of Valley End Institute Charity and WC Lees Resthouses Charity.