THE RISING cost of living will be in focus at a meeting of the city council.

Carlisle City Council will meet at the Civic Centre on Tuesday, October 11 and a number of councillors are set to issue a call for action on the cost-of-living crisis.

It follows news that the housing market is slowing with an expected rise in interest rates.

Meanwhile, councils across the country are resorting to converting their buildings into “heat hubs” to give residents somewhere warm to  go during what is expected to be a difficult winter.

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At the meeting, leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Pickstone will ask the leadership of the city council if any plans are in place for the authority to open its own heat hubs in Carlisle.

The question was set to be asked at an earlier date, but full council was postponed following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

Councillor Pickstone will ask: “Could the leader, or the appropriate cabinet member, inform members whether the council has plans to work with partners to ensure that there are 'warm hubs' or 'heat banks' across the city in the coming winter. As the leader will be aware, many people, including many vulnerable people, will be struggling with heating bills.

“Other council areas are ensuring that there are buildings designated as 'warm hubs'. Is this something we can achieve in Carlisle working with our partners at the county council, with town and parish councils, village halls and community groups?”

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Cllr Pickstone has criticised the Government over a perceived lack of support for off-grid homeowners. Rural homeowners who use oil and gas received a £100 grant in the recent budget statement while the price of coal has almost doubled.

Two motions have also been tabled for the city council meeting.

Councillor Ruth Alcroft will propose that a cost-of-living emergency is declared in Carlisle.

If passed, the motion will see the city council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, urging him to “bring forward additional solutions, both short and long term, to alleviate the immense pressures households across Carlisle and the country are experiencing.”

Leader of the Labour opposition Lisa Brown will propose that the council launches a £110,000 cost-of-living support fund.

If councillors vote in favour, it would see the city council follow Cumbria County Council in creating a cost-of-living reserve.

Cllr Brown will propose that £110,000 is set aside so that grants of £100 per household can be administered by Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden.

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