Council launches local welfare safety net

Cheshire East Council is taking immediate action to address a central government need to find welfare savings of £12billion.

The ‘Cheshire East local welfare safety net’ will support residents who may face financial hardship as a result of welfare reform.

The strategy, endorsed at cabinet today, follows a period where a broad range of frontline services worked together to understand the systems and schemes already in place and assessed where there were opportunities for improvement.

Councillor Peter Groves, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for finance and assets, said: “The council is committed to building strong and supportive communities and encourages residents to be self-reliant and not dependent on welfare and public services.

“The council understands that this central reform may initially lead to difficult times for some of our residents, which is why we have endorsed a strategy that will positively impact on those who need our help most.”

The strategy will focus on helping people to get into and stay in employment, enable access to affordable housing and develop self-reliance and financial responsibility.

The council’s emergency assistance scheme will continue to provide a safety net to prevent crisis.