Council commits £500,000 for anti-poverty project

AN EXTRA £500,000 for the borough’s antipoverty strategy has been agreed by the council.

Developed in partnership with the Hardship Alliance – a group of four local charities, First Days, Citizens Advice Wokingham, AgeUK Berkshire and Wokingham United Charitie – the strategy aims to tackle causes, while supporting those living in poverty.

At a meeting of the ruling executive committee earlier this month, councillors agreed to provide the funding to support further development and delivery of the initiatives being developed.

Amy Garstang, chair of the Hardship Alliance, said: “The Anti-Poverty Strategy will build on the work of the council and voluntary sector and look to implement new initiatives to provide further support.

“The Hardship Alliance wants an Anti-Poverty Strategy that is co-produced and one we can champion and drive forward the action plan to make things happen and ultimately improve the lives of those living in the borough.”

Throughout the last 12 months the council has used a number of initiatives to tackle poverty in the borough with many done by, or in partnership with, volunteers.

Cllr Laura Blumenthal, deputy executive member for anti-poverty, said: “There is already lots of work underway from community engagement and supporting people into employment, to lessening financial burdens through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and providing affordable or social housing.

“But there is so much more to be done.

“We’re looking forward to launching our strategy so we can begin moving forward with the action plan and start delivering sustainable outcomes for our residents.”

Further development will take place in the coming months and the revised strategy is due to be presented at the executive meeting for approval on Thursday, May 26.