Description
Background: The rising cost of living is the latest in a series of challenges for the UK’s local government(s). Local authorities played a key role in coordinating COVID-19 responses. Operating in the shadow of recession and austerity following the Global Financial Crisis, they were called upon to provide guidance for local people and organisations, rapidly adapt to maintain key public services, effectively target and distribute funding from central government, and develop new and innovative strategies to support the most vulnerable.Aims: This research aims to capture how local authorities are responding to the rising cost of living following a decade of crises. It asks what support they are offering their residents and local businesses; how and why this support varies across the UK; what capacity local authorities currently have; and the adaptations needed to meet longer-term challenges.
Method: The study combines detailed analysis of web and policy documents from a representative sample of UK local authorities (n=45); a UK-wide survey of local councillors (n=701); and semi-structured interviews with senior local authority officials.
Findings: Findings support widespread concerns about rising poverty and the impact of the cost of living crisis on local economics. Councillors reported multiple vulnerable groups are at increased risk of destitution, with children in low-income families a particular concern. Documentary analysis reveals varied support at local level: whilst some local authorities responded to the crisis with examples of policy innovation and creative strategies to target low-income households, others failed to provide basic information and advice to struggling residents.
Conclusion: The roll-out of cost of living support from the Westminster government has depended heavily on local administration, and includes a significant discretionary component. But councillors have expressed little confidence in their authorities’ resilience or capacity to respond to future crises. The timing of this movement towards greater welfare localism raises urgent questions about the future operation of the British welfare system and its long-term ability to protect society’s most vulnerable.
| Period | 6 Jul 2023 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Social Policy Association Annual Conference |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Nottingham, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |