East Hampshire residents will get some tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas as the leaders of the two main groups on the district council agreed a range of measures to help those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Among other measures, the joint motion agreed at last week’s full council meeting proposed that part of any increase in council tax next spring will go straight to the council’s welfare fund to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis .

Other measures include a continuous review of the revamped council tax support scheme, increasing eligibility for those in most need.

Councillors will also have more flexibility in the use of their individual grant funds to support the running costs of local community organisations such as community cupboards, playgroups and schools.

The array of help from East Hampshire District Council is to be widely publicised by digital and traditional means.

There will also be Let’s Talk events across the district for residents to learn about available help.

The measures were agreed at a special full council meeting to agree ways the authority can help residents combat the cost-of-living crisis.

Lib Dem group leader Cllr Steve Hunt initiated the meeting, and after it he and leader of the currently Conservative-dominated council, Cllr Richard Millard, were upbeat about the outcome.

Cllr Millard said: “We worked together on amending the original proposal suggested by Cllr Hunt, and he seconded the agreed motion.

“This wasn’t like Westminster where there are egos – Cllr Hunt and I got on with doing what needed to be done for our residents.

“There is a need to make people aware of the support there is, and we will do all we can to help people in need.”

Deputy leader Julie Butler said the cost-of-living crisis affected everyone, and everyone who needs help should get it.

She added: “This issue isn’t a political football, and the meeting was very good.”

Cllr Hunt added: “This is a historic moment, as Cllr Millard and myself agreed a cross-party motion that focuses on delivering help to residents.

“The cost-of-living crisis will continue and the measures agreed will be monitored regularly to ensure ongoing help to our residents.

“There is always room for further action.

“And hopefully we will be able to further extend the council tax support scheme, once the uptake at this new level is known.

“As ever, it is people with low incomes and multiple jobs who fall through the benefit net.

“So we are working to help those who would not otherwise get any help with their council tax.

“This is a meaningful step that will bring tidings of comfort and joy to our residents.”

The motion proposed by Cllr Millard and Cllr Hunt was unanimously approved by councillors at the meeting last Thursday (December 15).