Agenda item

To receive evidence from internal and external contributors as part of the Scrutiny Review of Cost of Living Response.

The Select Committee received a report on the Cost of Living work of the Council’s Customer Services and Digital teams from the Assistant Director of Customer Services and Digital which included responses to the following key lines of enquiries:

•           How has Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) responded to the ongoing cost of living crisis both internally and by working with external partners and agencies?

•           How has advice and support been communicated to residents and SBC staff? Can this be improved?

•           What are the main ‘cost of living’ issues facing residents? How have these changed over time?

•           In what ways has the cost of living crisis impacted on staff retention and recruitment?

•           How have SBC staff been supported if they are struggling financially and mentally as a result of the cost of living crisis?

The main issues highlighted from the report and discussed were as follows:

•           There had been a 30% turnover in Customer Services staff over the past year.

•           The Committee commended the valuable work of the Customer Services team and recognised the importance of training and supporting staff sufficiently.

•           The Committee was pleased to learn that Customer Services staff were entitled to additional breaks at present when dealing with increasing pressures.

•           It was confirmed that a stress risk assessment had been undertaken for the Customer Services team.

The Select Committee received a presentation on the Council’s employee benefits and support, from the Assistant Director for HR which included responses to the following key lines of enquiries:

•           How has Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) responded to the ongoing cost of living crisis both internally and by working with external partners and agencies?

•           How has advice and support been communicated to residents and SBC staff? Can this be improved?

•           In what ways has the Cost of Living crisis impacted on staff retention and recruitment?

•           How have SBC staff been supported if they are struggling financially and mentally as a result of the cost of living crisis?

The main issues highlighted from the presentation and discussed were as follows:

•           The Committee congratulated Council staff on their recent LGC Award achievement and thanked staff for their work on the Vivup benefit scheme.

•           It was noted that several staff members had sought additional help following the Community Services health and wellbeing sessions. These sessions were held over a year with 7 compulsory sessions that were built into the working day.

•           Members raised concerns about cases of agency staff struggling to obtain permanent contracts. Officers responded that agency workers were eligible to apply for internal vacancies and permanent contracts were offered to agency staff where possible.

The Select Committee received evidence from the Regional Officer, Unite the Union which included:

•           It was noted that there had been an increase in signposting to mental health services.

•           There had also been an increase in enquiries regarding loans over the past few years.

•           It had been reported that lower paid workers, especially cleaners, had been undertaking more than one job. There were also reports that those with more than one job still needed to use foodbanks and pantries.

•           SBC, as an organisation, provided a ‘good level of support’ compared to other organisations.

•           At one of its offices, the union provided help with CV writing, interview techniques and suits and makeup were available for those in need to use for interviews.

•           Upcoming projects included a workers uniform exchange and a baby equipment bank.

•           Unite Community was highlighted as a community initiative to campaign for a more equal society.

The main issues highlighted and discussed were as follows:

•           The Committee requested if there was anything further that the Council could do to support those affected by the Cost of Living. The Committee was informed that SBC was providing the most support to its residents and staff compared with other Councils across the North East region.

The Select Committee received a presentation from representatives from the Stockton & District Advice & Information Service (SDAIS) which included:

•           How has SBC responded to Cost of Living by working with external partners and agencies?

•           How has advice and support been communicated to residents and SBC staff?

•           How does SBC approach compare with other Local Authorities?

•           National Picture

•           Local Picture

•           How do Cost of Living issues vary across groups?

•           Local Picture

•           Local Picture – Top 5 Enquiry Areas

•           Debt Advised on Stockton-on-Tees

•           Cost of Living: sample enquiries National v Local Increase over 3 years – Q2

•           How do Cost of Living issues vary across Borough: Cost of Living – sample enquiries (44) – Increase over 3 years – Q2

•           How have SBC staff been supported through Cost of Living crisis?

•           What can SBC learn from VCSE (benefits of joint SBC/VCSE working)?

•           Other Issues

The main issues highlighted from the presentation and discussed were as follows:

•           The Committee thanked SDAIS for their work in assisting residents and providing an invaluable service.

•           SBC staff were commended for referring members of the public to a specific contact at SDAIS and other services for help and ensuring that they received direct support.

AGREED that the information be noted.