The Progressive Alliance which runs Milton Keynes City Council has revealed its budget plans for 23/24, which includes an extra £150,000 for parish councils to support vulnerable communities in Milton Keynes.

The extra funding will allow parish councils to continue providing help and support to local people through the cost-of-living crisis.

Parish councils could continue to offer activities within the community for residents such as community cafes, social clubs, and wellbeing support.

If the funding is approved, this will be in addition to the £180,000 parish councils have already received to set up ‘warm spaces’ for residents during the winter months.

Recent warm spaces initiatives include those in New Bradwell, where residents can access free pizza and movie nights, bingo, and other social activities. Campbell Park Parish Council are offering free hot food and drinks, sockets for charging phones and laptops, and wi-fi access.

With soaring energy bills, rising food costs, and inflation near a 40-year high, the extra funding will ensure the City Council can continue to help the communities that need it the most.

Councillor Rob Middleton, Labour Progressive Alliance Cabinet Member for Resources, said:

“Thousands of children across the city are already living in poverty and with Conservative government failing to offer financial support, energy costs for the typical household are set to rise in April by £500 a year. We know hardworking families across MK will be struggling to make ends meet, that’s why we’ve set this extra funding aside.”

Councillor Jane Carr, Lib Dem Progressive Alliance Cabinet Member for the cost-of-living crisis, added:

“The cost-of-living crisis has caused families to make difficult financial decisions, and with food and energy costs through the roof, many have been plunged into poverty. The Progressive Alliance is committed to helping our vulnerable residents through this crisis and working with parish councils to provide community support is one of the best ways to do that. Parish councils across MK do a brilliant job in the community and we hope this extra funding will enable them to open new and continue existing services. I hope my fellow councillors will support this budget so we can continue to help those who are most in need.”

In October the City Council declared a cost-of-living emergency and set up a multi-million-pound Winter Plan to help the city’s residents through the cost-of-living crisis.

If the budget is approved the City Council will provide millions of pounds in direct cost-of-living support including help with paying council tax, rent, and energy bills.