In autumn 2022, Norfolk Community Advice Network members collectively declared a cost of living emergency. People across Norfolk were struggling with sharp rises in the cost of essentials like fuel, food and housing. At the same time, VCSEs were facing record pressure, battling with increased costs and rising demand for services.
We invited decision-makers to an emergency partnership meeting, to hear about people’s experiences and make a plan.
We spoke out in the media about the hardship we were seeing – in the EDP and on BBC Look East.
A group of VCSE representatives went to Westminster, where we met with Norfolk MPs to tell them about our concerns.
The cost of living emergency is not over.
Later in 2023, we called on the government to use the Autumn Statement to address the widespread hardship we were seeing. And in spring 2024 we urged the government to extend the Household Support Fund.
To find out more about our work tackling the cost of living crisis and the longer-term issue of rising poverty, visit the page for the Norfolk Anti-Poverty Alliance.