Warm banks to open to help struggling residents survive the winter in £3m cost of living rescue package

Council chiefs have signed off on a £3 million package to support residents with the cost-of-living crisis, including energy, food costs and childcare. At a meeting on Wednesday afternoon, the cabinet approved a series of proposals which would see millions invested in services and to ‘widen the safety net’ for residents ‘most vulnerable to financial crisis’.

The authority says that Oldham already has some of the highest rates of deprivation in the country and it is predicting a ‘significant increase’ in demand for financial help in the coming months as energy prices and inflation increase. The plans will see funding provided to Oldham Foodbank and the creation of ‘warm banks’ – spaces for residents to go to freely if they are struggling to afford to heat their homes.

The report to cabinet states: “The rising costs of fuel, food and other essentials are combining with existing disadvantage and vulnerability within our communities will put many Oldham households at greater risk of both immediate hardship and longer-term negative impacts not just on their finances but on wider health and wellbeing.”

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Despite the government paying a £400 energy rebate from October, without additional support the town hall says that many poorer households will ‘face hardship’ over winter.

It has put forward a £3m package of support, which mostly focuses on prevention but also aims to increase the amount of help offered to those most vulnerable to the cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, council leader Amanda Chadderton told members the investment was ‘absolutely crucial’ for the council and its residents.

“Cost of living is