Winter support for residents facing cost pressures

Plans have been announced to help more people access affordable food, financial advice and help with heating costs this winter.

New community shops are due to open in Pendeford and Graiseley and a shop in Bilston is set to reopen. About 17,000 people have used Wolverhampton's network of community shops over the past six months, said City of Wolverhampton Council.

But council leader Stephen Simkins said many residents still faced difficult choices over household bills. "We know times are still tough for many residents," he added.

The council said more than 135,000 people have received support through its cost-of-living programmes, while more than £18.5m has been distributed to residents.

Simkins said: "Our ambition is simple, we want Wolverhampton to be a city where everyone has the opportunity to live a safe, secure and happy life.

"This winter, we will protect the most vulnerable and ensure nobody is left behind."

The new measures have been announced alongside the launch of a new three-year financial wellbeing strategy to support residents struggling with living costs.

About three tonnes of food are redistributed each month through weekly community markets, with plans to expand the scheme during the winter.

The authority is also extending its Community Chefs programme into schools.

More than 1,000 people have taken part in the initiative in the past six months, producing about 6,000 meals, said the council.

The Boost financial wellbeing service, launched in January to help residents reduce costs and manage household budgets, will also be expanded through the winter.

The council said winter warm packs have already been distributed through the city's family hubs, while adult social care teams are working with health services to help reduce seasonal pressures on the NHS.