Northumberland Labour is calling on a cross-party task force to be set up to strategically look at the resources available to the Council to help the most vulnerable who are worried sick in Northumberland. 

The Council is a big powerhouse in the County and it must use resources to support those most vulnerable, so many areas are different in Northumberland with many different issues. We have some areas in Northumberland with high levels of fuel poverty before all this began.

While we recognise the County’s efforts in looking at long-term inequalities but we must take immediate action to look at the response to what is a critical status for residents. 

Northumberland Labour Leader said: “People are already making difficult choices while prices soar. Hardworking families are left in insidious positions trying to keep their families afloat.

“The County Council has a duty of care for vulnerable residents and we must use resources in a strategic, targeted way. Residents are counting on the Council for support. 

“While many properties are still being repaired or are left in disrepair following Storms, and solar panels and other initiatives have fallen apart with providers, we need to look at how this will impact people with poor insulation and promises of cheap bills now out of the window. 

“In reality, we need to look at Council resource which is already directed to support people in many ways being ramped up in a different type of arrangement that can support people for the winter months.

“As free school meal entitlement soars in Northumberland, use of foodbanks too and child poverty the facts are telling us what it’s like out there. 

“It could be achieved in many forms but it needs a cross-party group with relevant officers and a willing administration to look at any type of support package that could be offered.”