South Yorkshire Cost of Living Fund

Survey reveals the worrying picture for the country

The Cost of Living crisis has affected communities across the country, with people worried about how it will impact them at home and their families.

This is evidenced by a survey from the Office for National Statistics and their Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN) in August, which revealed 89% of adults in Great Britain reported their cost of living had risen in the last month.

Other key highlights from the survey showed:

• 76% of adults were very or somewhat worried about the cost of living, with 45% concerned about rising energy bills
• Rising energy bills forced annual household inflation rates to rise 0.9 points higher for low-income households in the first half of 2022
• Housing, household services, transport and food had the largest increases in July 2022, with the rate at which goods and services rise, increased from 8.2% in June to 8.8% the next month.
• The pressure was felt across petrol forecourts as prices remained high compared to last year, although there was a slight decrease
• Wages also fell by 2.5% in the year from April to June 2022, however that figure falls to 3% when including inflation and excluding bonuses.
   

SYCF response

South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) officially launched the Cost of Living Fund in May, in response to the increased cost of living triggered by rising fuel, energy and food costs.

To kickstart the launch, Sheffield City Council worked with SYCF to give £20,000, specifically for Sheffield. This resulted in a vast number of community groups applying, showing the urgent need to help communities.

We saw people's genorosity - including many who donated their £150 Council Tax rebate - to the Fund, reaching nearly £5,000.

Donate your rebate

This gives a further opportunity to appeal to those who don’t feel that they need their £400 energy bill rebates or other payments (such as the previously announced Council Tax rebate), to donate to the Fund.

SYCF are looking at this Fund as a long term source of funding for community groups.

The Cost of Living Fund is South Yorkshire wide so that all community groups working in this space have the opportunity to apply for a grant award from these funds.

Further support

In addition, our Deakin and Withers Fund can provide financial assistance to women aged over 40, are active members of a Church and facing difficulty and hardship. Payments of upto £750 can be made to help with utility and household bills.