Still time to share your experiences with Wandsworth’s Cost of Living Commission

There is still time for local people to submit their thoughts and views and share their experiences on how the financial crunch has affected them with the independent group of experts set up by the council to help residents through the Cost of Living crisis.

As part of its commitment to help residents through the current economic difficulties, the council has set up an independent Cost of Living Commission with a remit of identifying potential actions that the council, its partners, the wider community and regional and national government may be able to take to support local people through the crisis.

It will make its recommendations having listened to local people, businesses and organisations, as well as looking at all the available data and the latest research. Its areas of focus are to look at the impact of changes in the cost of food, housing, fuel, and transport on Wandsworth residents.

As part of that process the commission is urging local people to come forward and share their knowledge and insights in those four key areas.

The commission is particularly interested in the following points:

• How the Cost of Living crisis is impacting Wandsworth residents, organisations, and businesses.
• What people are doing differently because of the impact the crisis is having on their households.
• Ideas and insights as to what long term change and action is needed to support residents with this and any future crisis.

To pass on information to the commission please complete the online questionnaire or email your response to wandsworthcommission@wandsworth.gov.uk.

There is just under a week left for people to share their thoughts and experiences via that online link. The consultation closes on Sunday, April 30.

People who would prefer a paper copy of the survey, or in a different language or format, or need any assistance submitting their evidence can call (020) 8871 5401 or email wandsworthcommission@wandsworth.gov.uk.

All feedback received will be fully considered and help shape the commission's final report, which will put forward recommendations to the council and its partners around long-term solutions to support people through the Cost-of-Living crisis.

Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “We have had good feedback from residents at the two public meetings we have held in Roehampton and Battersea.

"But we want to make sure that more voices are heard. We are aware that not everyone can make these meetings and that's why are providing other platforms for residents to feed in, so that we can shape our responses to fully meet the needs of our communities. It’s so important for local people to take part in this information gathering process and I urge everyone to be involved in it.”

Joint chair of the Commission Ian Tattum, Vicar of St Barnabas in Southfields, said: “The Commission is constantly learning from specialists, charities and community groups but wants to ensure that it also hears about the experiences of residents.

“We are particularly interested in hearing their ideas to mitigate the immediate effects of the crisis and come up with long term solutions which would benefit the whole community and the national debate.”

To find out more about how the council is helping local people through the current crisis visit the Cost-of-Living hub.

Over the last few months the council has rolled out an extensive programme of support including:

• A Wandsworth Warm Spaces scheme offering places of sanctuary to those struggling to heat their homes.
• Funding for organisations, projects and initiatives that support residents – including Wandsworth Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
• A £1m boost for the Wandsworth Discretionary Social Fund.
• A one-off Winter Cost of Living Payment of up to £150 for all eligible households.
• A School Uniform Support Scheme to help lower income families buy new school uniforms when their children transition to their next school.
• An online Cost-of-Living Hub providing information and support for everyone.
• Capacity Building Grants to fund local community-based organisations that are helping residents through the crisis.