Cost of Living Summit brings together leaders from across the city

On Monday 31 October, city leaders from community, voluntary and faith groups, businesses and organisations across York came together to hear first-hand experiences of the cost of living crisis, to share offers of support and work together to find immediate and long term solutions.

The Cost of Living Crisis Summit, hosted by the University of York at the Guildhall, was organised by City of York Council and chaired by Professor Kate Pickett, Professor of Epidemiology from the University of York and the University’s Champion for Research on Justice and Equality.

Following the summit a Financial Inclusion report sharing the anticipated impact on households across York will be presented to Executive in November. Summit attendees will also be able to continue their discussion via an online bulletin board and e-newsletter.

Based on latest economic data, the council anticipates up to 14,700 York households will experience poverty this year due to factors including insecure employment, low pay, and welfare reform along with the impact of high inflation and fuel costs. Addressing the myth that poverty in York is as a result of people not working, attendees heard that unlike many other local authority areas, York has a high number of universal credit claimants in work (47.3%).

Attendees heard examples of the impact financial difficulties has on York residents, businesses and the community sector. Residents shared personal stories of not being able to heat their homes, people only able to eat one hot meal a week, families accessing multiple foodbanks and struggles with the increases in costs for food, heating, housing and other essential services.

After hearing from speakers, attendees took part in interactive sessions when they were encouraged to work together on new and innovative solutions covering a range of topics including housing insecurity, cost of fuel and transport, mental health, social prescribing and digital inclusion.

A Financial Inclusion report sharing the anticipated impact on households across York and mentioning the work of the Summit and how it will be taken forward, will be presented to Executive in November. Summit attendees will also be encouraged to continue the discussion via an online bulletin board and e-newsletter.

Reflecting on the summit Professor Pickett said, “this event has been a positive first step in the journey towards finding solutions for the people of York.

“We can learn from some of the innovative projects that have already been introduced in different areas. I hope that we can build upon their success, and I look forward to seeing some of the outcomes from the summit. I was impressed by the leadership and commitment I saw at the summit and it’s essential that we build upon the connections and conversations that took place.”

Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, spoke at the event and said: “the number and diversity of organisations that attended the summit demonstrate there is a real commitment and expertise in the city to help us respond to this crisis and support those who need it most. It is quite clear that no one organisation will be able to tackle these challenges alone, but together, pulling in one direction, we can develop a more coordinated response to support our communities.”

Cllr Denise Craghill, Executive member for Housing and Safer Communities, said: “we are grateful that so many organisations and groups took the time to come together and take part in the summit. We know that many people in York are already facing incredibly challenging situations and we hope that the conversations that have begun will help us all to keep on working together to provide as much support as possible through the coming winter, as well as building longer term resilience.”

Anyone currently struggling with their finances can find more information on what support is available on the Council’s website at https://www.york.gov.uk/benefitsand LiveWell York at https://www.livewellyork.co.uk/talkmoney.