Decision details

The Board considered a report which outlined the findings and recommendations of the Cheshire East Poverty JNSA.

The Poverty JSNA had been completed as part of the 2022/23 JSNA work programme and following approval it would be added to the suite of current JSNA products on the Cheshire East Council JSNA website.

Key findings from the review included:

• The most deprived areas in Cheshire East were seen within Crewe and Macclesfield, but also within smaller areas of Congleton, Alsager and Handforth.
• People in households with disabilities, single parents, and single adults without children were more likely to experience poverty, there was also regional evidence to suggest that people from certain ethnic groups were more likely to experience food insecurity.
• Across Cheshire East, many food banks had seen an increase in demand. Decreases in food donations had also been seen. Food banks often support young men and single parent households.
• The condition of housing stock as well as access to affordable accommodation were challenges. There were currently thousands of applications for social housing.
• Residents with lived experience who use food banks reported that experiencing food poverty was extremely stressful and isolating. People might be reluctant to seek support due to a sense of stigma.

Following Board members comments officers reported that:

-       There were some challenging recommendations, specifically around housing and long-term unemployment but that there were some very actionable recommendations as well. It would be important to  be championing the messages around the JNSA and information sharing and making residents aware.

-       The outcomes framework would set out the things that would be measured to demonstrate that the objectives were being achieved.

-       The next step would be to decide on the prioritisation tool which would identify those activities that would be prioritised and give the biggest impact.

In respect of questions raised in relation to long term unemployment and the number claiming benefits it was agreed that a written response would be provided outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED:-

That the Poverty JSNA and the recommendations outlined in the report be approved for publication