Agenda item

Martin Walmsley, Assistant Director - Shared Revenues & Benefits had given his apologies for being unable to attend tonight’s meeting. He provided a written report on financial inclusion and mental health which was presented by Emily Holmes, Assistant Director, Transformation and Strategic Development.

Emily Holmes, Assistant Director, Transformation and Strategic Development:

a)    presented a report to Members regarding the links between financial inclusion and mental health

b)    confirmed that the update provided information regarding the Lincolnshire Financial Inclusion Partnership and explained how financial inclusion activity was co-ordinated in the county

c)    added that Lincolnshire Financial Inclusion Partnership (LFIP) had been in existence for more than ten years, with membership growing exponentially in the last two years. City of Lincoln Council and North Kesteven District Council’s Assistant Director Shared Revenues and Benefits was currently the chair of LFIP

d)    highlighted that LFIP brought together organisations and partners to promote and raise the profile of financial inclusion and aimed to ensure that everyone had the capability and opportunity to access appropriate financial services and products needed to participate fully in society

e)    explained that LFIP activity was focussed through a steering group, which comprised of colleagues from; Lincolnshire local authorities, Alford Hub, Citizens Advice Lincoln & Lindsey, Department for Work & Pensions, GamCare, KTR Consultancy Services, LAT Charity, Lincolnshire Community Foundation, Money & Pensions Service, and Notts and Lincs Credit Union

f)      added that LFIP activity could be followed through a range of social media including LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook

g)    stated that mental health and money problems were inextricably linked.  One problem could feed off of the other whereby a vicious cycle of growing financial problems and worsening mental health that could be hard for people to escape was created

h)    highlighted that the annual medium income for people with common mental health conditions was estimated to be £8,400 less than that for the wider population

i)      confirmed that was key that those suffering money problems sought help from a wide range of organisations that provided assistance, support and advice.  A section on ‘Financial advice and support’ was included on City of Lincoln Council’s (CoLC) website through the Cost-of-Living Support ‘button’ which appeared on the home page. This information was also available in the Council’s Cost of Living Support leaflet, which was available in hard copy also

j)      concluded that the area was complex, however through a co-ordinated programme of activity, LFIP and its’ members aimed to tackle and reduce the links between money and mental health

k)    welcomed comments and questions from Members of the Committee.

l)      invited comments and questions from Members on the content and presentation of the report

Members discussed the content of the report in further detail. The following questions and comments emerged:

Comment from Councillor Debbie Armiger: Thanks were offered to Martin Walmsley for his kindness and help which had been commented on by residents further to a referral made for support.

Comment: Some residents that were referred for support were very low and struggled with mental health. Individuals were always treated very well and respectfully by the Council and their issues were often resolved as much as could be.

Comment:  A discussion point that arose from the Poverty Truth Commission was that people could feel intimidated visiting City Hall to ask for help or did not know how to access help. It may be easier to go out to individuals.

RESOLVED that the content of the report be noted with thanks.