The leadership of BCP Council is being urged to put community engagement “front and centre” of its agenda to help residents through the cost-of-living crisis.

Labour councillors are tabling a motion at the council meeting on Tuesday, July 11.

It will be proposed by Cllr Sharon Carr-Brown, who was elected to represent Queen’s Park in May’s local elections.

The motion, which has been posted on the agenda for the meeting, says: "That BCP Council is concerned at the continuing pressures of the cost-of-living crisis on so many in our communities.

"This council calls on the administration to set out as soon as possible as part of any revised budget proposals, what action it is planning to take this year specifically to ensure that levels of financial support are sufficient to promote community engagement, to assist the staff, charities and voluntary groups who are supporting families and the vulnerable.

"The council should ensure that all BCP residents can easily access the support and help they need during this time of economic hardship."

Cllr Carr-Brown told the Daily Echo the motion spoke to the Labour Party’s local manifesto.

"It is a response to the fact that the cost-of-living crisis is the single most important issue at the moment – the number one issue on the doorstep," she said.

"People are genuinely struggling – thousands of people across our three towns. Core inflation is still very high. We know energy prices are still difficult for people.

"We are calling on the new administration, which we anticipate and hope is setting a new agenda, to put the community engagement function of the council front and centre and keep the interests of residents at the forefront of their minds."

Cllr Carr-Brown said she “really hopes” more will be done by the Three Towns Alliance administration to support residents.

Bournemouth Echo: Cllr Sharon Carr-BrownCllr Sharon Carr-Brown (Image: BCP Council)

“Quite simply if there is not more support for people we are worried about the coming winter and as time goes on food inflation is still high and even it's coming down, it does not mean we are going to see food prices fall,” she said.

“Families won’t be able to put three square meals on the table, children will be hungry and people will be cold again this winter as they can’t heat their homes.

“It is just not acceptable.”