Wychavon Liberal Democrats propose a £700,000 fund to support the most vulnerable residents in the district.

At the annual budget meeting for Wychavon District Council on Wednesday, 25th February, the Liberal Democrat Group is proposing a £700,000 package to ensure residents facing the most challenging circumstances are supported through the next year.

The £700,000 will be ring-fenced from the council’s recently announced £5 million @We Are Wychavon Support Fund’ set aside for grants, and free and discounted council services in 2026/27 and 2027/28.

The funding includes:

· £500k to provide up to £200 for residents facing significant financial difficulties, including those in work and struggling to make ends meet. 

· For 2026-27, provide financial support for those facing a terminal illness. 

· Ensure the council creates a fund by 1st April 2027 to give 100% council tax relief for anyone with terminal illnesses.

· £200k to employ 2 Financial Inclusion Officers to prevent residents from falling into the debt trap. 

Group Leader for the Wychavon District Council Liberal Democrats, Dan Boatright-Greene, says: “While we welcome the £5 million fund and the freeze in council tax for two years, Wychavon makes up less than 10% of the overall total cost on the council tax bill. Over 2 years, we will save less than £10 for most households. This means we need more direct action to support local families and ensure that those most in need, get the support they need. Employing Financial Inclusion Officers will help residents avoid the cycle of debt that can often come from emergencies.

“We fully support the charity Marie Curie in their call for all councils to offer a 100% council tax relief to those with a terminal illness. It is estimated that 111,000 people die in poverty every year in the UK. We should be using our funds to help families facing reduced income at a time of great stress and sadness. We hope the council can come together to support our proposals.”