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Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing issues statement on the implications of the cost-of-living crisis

Posted on : 12 Sep 2023

Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing issues statement on the implications of the cost-of-living crisis
Cllr Shayne Cook, Cabinet Member for Housing at Caerphilly County Borough Council, has issued a statement on the implications of the cost-of-living crisis and support available locally to those experiencing difficulties.
 
“The cost-of-living crisis is having a real impact on Caerphilly residents.” said Cllr Cook.  “Household budgets are continually being squeezed with increases in everyday costs such as food and fuel leading to people struggling to manage their finances and pay their mortgages or rent.”
 
“Caerphilly Council’s Housing Support Team, which helps support all residents to stay in their properties, has seen an increase in referrals as a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis.  Around 2,700 referrals were made to the service in the last 5 months; marking an increase of 33% compared to the same period in 2022.”
 
A large proportion of these referrals (1385) have been made by families, of which 327 were in private rented sector and were facing potential homelessness due to rising costs. The Housing Support Team have manged to generate an additional income for Caerphilly residents of around £5.8 million over the period 2022-23 and helped supply over 900 fuel vouchers totalling £44,080 over the winter months.
 
Cllr Cook added “It’s important our residents know that Caerphilly Council’s Housing Support Team are here to help and support you whether you’re a homeowner, contract holder (council, housing association or private), sleeping rough, or sofa surfing.”
 
Caerphilly Council’s Housing Support Team can assist with the following:
  • Help to set up and maintain a home – such as finding best value utilities and setting up direct debit accounts with energy suppliers, registering people with health services, such as GP and dentists. 
  • Help to prevent evictions, rent arrears, bedroom tax/council tax arrears, TV licence fines – arranging repayment plans for debts and searching Turn to Us website for grants. 
  • Help to claim benefits, maximise income, benefit appeals and grant applications. 
  • Help with budgeting, managing money and debt management – income and expenditure checks and budgeting, searching for cheaper alternatives for things such as utilities and repayment plans. 
  • Support to understand Occupation Contracts and support in being independent at keeping property maintained to a good standard. 
  • Help to prevent homelessness – home starter pack, grants, mortgage rescue and working with Shelter Cymru. 

Referrals to the Housing Support team can be made via the Council’s website or by texting HOUSUPPORT to 81400.
 
Anyone in need of housing advice or assistance or at risk of homelessness should contact the Housing Solutions team on 01443 873552.
 

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