Working with principal authorities

We believe collaboration between all local government levels is essential to relieving the financial and social pressures of the cost of living. By working together, parish and town councils and principal authorities can leverage their resources, expertise, and community networks to develop comprehensive strategies that address the cost of living crisis and support residents in coping with financial pressures.

Parish and town councils can collaborate with principal authorities in several ways to address the cost of living crisis:

Advocacy and lobbying — Parish and town councils can advocate for policies at the principal authority level that mitigate the burden of the cost of living for residents. This could include lobbying for increased funding for essential services, affordable housing initiatives, or measures to reduce utility costs.
Community support programs — Collaborating with principal authorities, parish and town councils can establish community support programs such as food banks, utility bill assistance schemes, or community gardens to help alleviate residents' financial strain.
Information and guidance — Parish and town councils can work with principal authorities to provide residents with information and guidance on accessing financial support, benefits, and subsidies that can help mitigate the cost of living pressures.
Local economic development — By partnering with principal authorities, parish and town councils can support local economic development initiatives to create job opportunities, increase wages, and boost the local economy, ultimately alleviating the cost of living burden.
Affordable housing initiatives — Parish and town councils can collaborate with principal authorities to develop affordable housing projects, such as social housing schemes or rent control measures, to ensure that housing remains accessible for all residents despite rising costs.
Transportation and infrastructure — Improving transportation infrastructure and accessibility can help reduce living costs by making it easier for residents to commute to work or access essential services. Parish councils can work with principal authorities to advocate for and implement such infrastructure projects.
Energy efficiency programs — Collaborating on energy efficiency programs can help reduce utility costs for residents. Parish and town councils can work with principal authorities to promote energy-saving measures, such as home insulation programs or subsidies for energy-efficient appliances.
Financial education workshops — Parish and town councils, in partnership with principal authorities, can organise financial education workshops to help residents better manage their finances, navigate debt, and make informed decisions to cope with the cost of living challenges.

Examples

Parish and town councils were provided with a £180,000 fund by Milton Keynes City Council to make warm hubs available for residents across Milton Keynes. The city council is committed to supporting people through the toughest financial crisis in a generation. Working with parish and town councils to provide local community initiatives is one of the best ways. The warm hubs planned to be created will provide hot meals, game nights, and socialisation for the community.

Parish and town councils worked with Surrey County Council to collaborate with faith and community groups to create a network of warm hubs across Surrey. Seventy warm spaces have been set up in various community spaces, such as churches, libraries, and leisure centres. These spaces provide anyone in the community with a free warm space, the ability to socialise with peers, and the opportunity to receive free energy advice.

Useful links