To consider proposals for the Council’s response to the cost of living and energy crisis.

The Committee considered a report from the Strategic Lead for Independent Living which sought to expand provision of Spelthorne’s Community Centres for their members to ease at-home energy costs. He outlined the plan for the centres as well as the offers and activities that would be put in place for members.

The Committee recognised that with the rise of energy bills and the impact of inflation, opening community centres an extra day would be beneficial for those who utilised the provision. The Committee queried if further provisions could be made for members of community centres who could not leave their home, and it was explained that business partners could be approached for support. The Committee suggested that if there was a high demand, the provision as well as the need for transport could be reviewed in future.

The Committee resolved to

1)    To endorse the Council’s approach to temporarily expanding the Community Centre’s provision to take account of the impact of current cost of living and energy crisis on our communities

2)    To open at least one of our community centres for 6 days a week throughout the winter period, potentially from 1^st October 2022 to 1^st March 2023, utilising centre staff to provide the additional provision.

3)    Offer a warm meal and hot take home options at a subsidy during the winter period.

4)    Approve engagement cross departmentally to maximise resident options in relation to warm places, stay warm and energy efficiency support

5)    Approve engagement with external stakeholders to maximise response package.