Council announces nearly 90 projects to tackle post-pandemic cost of living crisis

Swansea Council have announced it has approved close to 90 projects as part of a major on-going investment helping Swansea residents, communities and businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Schemes to have benefited from Swansea Council’s Economic Recovery Fund include an Energy Awareness Hub which gives free advice to householders looking to save money on their energy bills.

Since its launch earlier this year, the hub has directly engaged with about 300 local people, helping deliver estimated potential savings worth a combined £48,000 over 12 months.

Now extended to run until the spring, the hub, which is being run by Swansea Environment Centre, has been holding a series of community roadshows throughout September, with a few more to be held in the coming week.

Other projects covered by the Economic Recovery Fund include boosting the council’s welfare rights service to help ensure as many residents as possible are accessing the financial support they’re entitled to.

Many play areas across the city also have been upgraded, a free bus travel scheme has been introduced, and pitch fees have been dropped for sports clubs.

By the end of 2023, total Economic Recovery Fund investment will be close to £45m.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Whether it’s improved outdoor spaces, support for businesses or help for residents to save money, our Economic Recovery Fund is being targeted at areas where it’s most needed as we continue to emerge from the impact of the pandemic.

“Examples include investment in the Energy Awareness Hub, which has now been extended to run until the end of March next year to give even more free advice to anyone who’s concerned about the on-going energy crisis.

“Over £20m has now been committed as part of the overall Economic Recovery Fund so far, and we’ll soon be announcing details of even more schemes that will further benefit Swansea residents, families, communities and businesses.

“The council continues to be here for Swansea.”

Tourism and other businesses have benefited from recovery grants and support for initiatives including the creation of outdoor spaces for restaurants, cafes and bars.

A scheme is also being introduced to provide training and work placements at Swansea Council for graduates, the unemployed and the economically inactive.

Swansea Energy Awareness Hub partners and supporters include the Austin Bailey Foundation, the National Energy Agency, fuel poverty specialist Warm Wales, council departments, youth charity Swansea MAD, EON Energy, City Energy and Yes Energy Solutions.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)