Wolverhampton City Council has approved a refreshed Financial Wellbeing Strategy running from 2026 to 2029, building on measures that have already supported 135,000 residents with cost of living challenges.
Since the original strategy was introduced in 2022, the council has distributed more than £18.5 million directly to residents. The new strategy incorporates feedback and evidence gathered over the past three years.
Support programmes in place
The council's cost of living measures include community shops, community chefs, the Pocket to Plate food strategy, the Good Night Project, and City Homemakers.
The Good Night Project has provided more than 1,800 beds since its launch in 2023 to ensure people have secure accommodation.
In the last six months alone, nearly 2,000 residents received direct crisis payments to help them afford to stay safe, well and warm. More than 17,000 residents used community shops during the same period to access good food at low cost.
The council's Boost initiative has helped more than 1,000 residents focus on financial wellbeing, maximise income and reduce debt to build financial resilience.
Strategy aims
The refreshed strategy prioritises improving residents' knowledge and skills so they can manage money confidently and make better financial choices. The council has highlighted the strength of partnerships across the city as essential to delivering this support.
Council leader Councillor Stephen Simkins said the strategy reflects residents' voices and experiences. "We leave nobody behind in this city," he said. "Every resident, regardless of income, background or their circumstances should be able to access opportunities and the support they need to strengthen their financial wellbeing, free from stigma, exclusion, or inequality."
Residents struggling financially can find full details of support available on the council's cost-of-living webpages.