Agenda item

4.1

The Committee received a presentation from the Head of Communities, Carl Mullooly. The presentation outlined measures the Council is putting in place to help members of the public through the cost-of-living crisis.

4.2

A member of the public referred to the QR codes, which were to be scanned by mobile devices to provide further information. They asked how people could still be provided with that same information, if they did have access to mobile devices.

The Head of Communities explained that the postcard was for use by front line workers and there would be other ways developed that members of the public could access the same information. This included distributing leaflets and also having notices and flyers in local community buildings.

4.3

A member of the public asked if there were a direct mobile number to call, rather than the Council’s general switchboard. It was added that the delays in using the switchboard could be of significant impact in these challenging times.

The Head of Communities appreciated the difficulties in trying to access different Council services through the switchboard. He mentioned that members of the public could also use the LAC services contact details, to get in touch regarding these issues. He also stated that there were other community groups that members of the public could be directed to.

4.4

A member of the public asked if any of the services mentioned in the presentation would be available to the public in the evenings/night-time, as well as in the daytime. She added that most people preferred to be around people they knew when in need of support.

The Head of Communities confirmed that evenings/night-time services would be available to some members of the public. He mentioned that we are looking at what was already available and working well in the communities. He agreed with the comment made on people wanting to be close to people they know but added that the Council was aiming to make options available for a wide range of people in the community including those that do not have support of relatives or friends. 

4.5

A Member of the Committee advised that the Head of Communities attend the Adult and Social Care Policy Committee to update portfolio holders of the work around the cost-of-living crisis.

4.6

Kirsty Sandamas (Citizens Advice Sheffield) gave a presentation on what Citizens Advice Sheffield did and how they were committed to helping people through the cost-of-living crisis.

4.7

A Member of the Committee asked how many face-to-face services were in the central locality.

Kirsty Sandamas stated there was 26 different locations across the city.

4.8

A member of the public mentioned that the Advice and Resource Centre offered similar advice. Therefore, suggested that the 2 services, along with The University of Law liaise with each other.

4.9

The two presentations presented at the meeting would be published onto the Council’s meeting webpages, following the meeting.