Supporting people who are ‘just getting by’

Tackling deprivation in hot spots around the borough has been a long-standing priority for Bolton Labour. All citizens have a stake in our future.

Whilst the council remains in ‘No Overall Control’ Labours aim to target deprivation hot spots across the borough cannot be progressed.

We will have an anti-Poverty Strategy at the heart of the Council’s work.

New Anti poverty strategy now in operation.

Labour will strongly challenge cuts to Council budgets that is directed at helping those with the lowest life chances get on, such as in money skills, a hardship fund and welfare rights.

These budgets have been maintained as part of the Anti Poverty Strategy.

We will work with all partners to better maximise the income of families, single people and older adults where possible. We will assist more older residents to find out about pension credits.    

These priorities are at the heart of the Anti Poverty Strategy.

In response to Winter Fuel Payment changes, we offered 3,300 Bolton pensioners, winter fuel vouchers. Campaign to get those pensioners not on Pension Credit, but who are entitled, has been successful.

We will actively promote the Credit Union and seek to eradicate the scourge of loan sharks and high interest credit.

Credit Union are partners on the Cost of Living Group and we will use the development of the Anti Poverty Strategy to further promote Credit Union services within our communities

We will set up a ‘Referrals First system’ in Bolton for people in hardship or just getting by. Evidence at other Councils shows that ‘signposting’ has low success and robust referral works much better. It means more people having some money in their pocket every week. Labour will succeed where the Conservatives have failed.

To be progressed.

We will work to establish access to free broadband/wi-Fi facilities across the borough for all Bolton residents.

GM and Bolton Council digital strategy is providing some assistance, training and community support. Broadband provider social offer is providing free Wi-Fi to community centres and people on low incomes on a referral basis. Recycle IT is supported by the council, providing low cost or free equipment.