Issue - meetings

That the Tackling Poverty Strategy 2022-26 and the accompanying high level action plan be approved.

The Executive considered a report relating to the Tackling Poverty Strategy and the high-level action plan to support residents who were living in poverty across the Borough and to prevent further people falling into poverty.

The Executive Member for Equalities, Inclusion and Fighting Poverty noted that this was the first time that Wokingham Borough Council had a strategy aimed specifically towards preventing and ending poverty within the Borough. The strategy had been developed in conjunction with the voluntary and community sector, the Hardship Alliance, and a cross party working group. Special thanks were given to Councillor Laura Blumenthal who had led on this exercise. Whilst Wokingham was generally an affluent Borough, this could make things even harder for those who were on the lowest incomes including many essential key workers, carers and retired residents. The Covid-19 pandemic had pushed additional residents into poverty, and the situation was only likely to worsen in the short term with interest rates, fuel, and food prices continuing to rise. There was a recognition that Wokingham Borough Council needed to do all it could to support and empower residents with dignity during these difficult times. Councillor Bishop-Firth added that this was the first step in a long-term plan to combat poverty, and noted that the Borough was welcoming a number of refugees who were fleeing from conflict – particularly from Ukraine. The cross-party working group would continue to pick up the work involved in reviewing the strategy and making its implementation a success.

Councillor Jones commented that it was the policy of both the previous administration and the current administration to tackle poverty within the Borough and to improve the lives of residents. Councillor Jones added that whilst Wokingham Borough Council was prepared to do all it could to lead the way locally, intervention was needed from central Government to reduce the cost of fuel, food and a cut in VAT.

RESOLVED: That the Tackling Poverty Strategy 2022-26 and the accompanying high level action plan be approved.