The council has a duty to act and we are doing everything in our power to support the people of the borough as we all attempt to weather this economic storm.
House prices have increased dramatically, often outstripping earnings and making it difficult for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder.
Investment in improving the standard of our homes has made them some of the best in the region, but now demand for council accommodation is at an all time high along with increases in the number of privately rented homes.
Some of the issues we’re looking at include more homes for first time buyers, safer neighbourhoods and more support for older and vulnerable people to stay in their own homes.
Repossessions are a concern for growing numbers of our residents.
We were one of the first councils in the country to meet bank and building society bosses and we’re working with mortgage providers on helping those likely to be hardest hit.
Wigan has been identified as a ‘fast-track’ authority for the expansion of the government’s mortgage rescue scheme and we’ve now set up the scheme for the borough. Vulnerable households who may be facing homelessness as a result of financial hardship can apply to the council for help to stay in their homes. We’re also working with advice providers like the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Wigan Independent Advice Centre and Age Concern.
They – and our local credit unions – all have a crucial role to play in helping people who have fallen into debt through no fault of their own.
They really can help – so do speak to them if you are worried about the future. Nothing is worse than falling prey to the loan sharks with their exorbitant rates of interest.
One piece of good news on the horizon is the council’s decision to become one of the first in the country to offer free swimming to all residents. Until now the young and the old have benefited but from April we will be extending this to everyone. Nationally there may not be much good news around – but the chance to swim for free is something worth cheering in these uncertain times.
