A new report shows how Cyngor Gwynedd is working with people, families and communities to help with the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Supporting People Annual Report 2025/26 shines a spotlight on the work carried out by the Council as well as by working in partnership with other organisations to ensure people receive the support, information and services they need.
The work programme focuses on three main areas: cost-of-living support; developing more localised support within our communities; and ensuring that Council services work in a way which put the needs of people first.
Over the last year, the work has helped hundreds of families and individuals:
- 500 children under the age of four in Gwynedd have received a Flying Start (Free Childcare) offer, which means they get the best start in education and also parents are supported to return to work or training.
- 26,300 food packages were distributed through the Food Grant, ensuring urgent and vital support for thousands of households at a time of financial pressure.
- £278,000 worth of School Essentials Grant funding for families of school children in Gwynedd has been shared, to enable families on low incomes to buy things such as school uniforms, books and learning equipment.
- 175 residents are returning to work after receiving the help of Tîm Gwaith Gwynedd with another 103 developing skills to secure better pay.
Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, said:
I know that many people and families across Gwynedd still face significant challenges in their everyday lives. The cost-of-living crisis, financial pressures and the impact on well-being has increased the need for practical, kind and fair support.
This report shows the different ways that Cyngor Gwynedd supports residents - from help with food and energy costs, increasing income by claiming benefits, support with bills and financial advice, to childcare support and providing free activities and opportunities for children and young people over the summer.
It is important to acknowledge that poverty continues to be a fundamental challenge in our society. This means that the Council, essentially, will respond to the symptoms and seek to mitigate their impact on people and families."
See the report submitted to the Council’s Cabinet and the Cyngor Gwynedd Supporting People Annual Report.
Notes
Case Study
*This study is based on a real case in Gwynedd, but to protect the privacy of individuals, we have changed the names
Bethan's story
The Supporting People Annual Report explains how Bethan received support from various services and is now claiming the Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance for which she was eligible. Bethan's life is now more stable, and her home is warmer and more comfortable for her and her husband.
- Bethan got in touch with Cyngor Gwynedd's Well-being Officer as her daughter was worried that her home was often cold and her eating habits had changed.
- It became clear to the Officer that Bethan had cut back on her spending on food and heating the house due to the increase in costs.
- After an initial assessment of her financial situation, it became clear that Bethan was only claiming the State Pension, and that she was not receiving any additional support for which she was eligible.
- Due to Bethan and her husband's situation, they were eligible for Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance and were supported by CAB to complete the application.